Agenda Document Pack - Economy and Infrastructure Committee - 28/05/2025
Perth and Kinross Council · 28 May 2025
Back to Economy and Infrastructure Committee — 28 May 2025 and its agenda
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Ambition | Compassion | Integrity Our vision is for a Perth and Kinross where everyone can live life well, free from poverty and inequality Council Building 2 High Street Perth PH1 5PH 21/05/2025 A hybrid meeting of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee will be held in the Council Chamber on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 at 09:30. If you have any queries please contact Democratic Services on (01738) 475000 or email Committee@pkc.gov.uk. THOMAS GLEN Chief Executive Those attending the meeting are requested to ensure that all notifications are silent on their device and other devices are in silent mode. Please note that the meeting will be broadcast online and recorded. The recording will be publicly available on the Council’s website following the meeting. Members: Councillor Eric Drysdale (Convener) Councillor Jack Welch (Vice-Convener) Councillor Hugh Anderson Bailie Rhona Brock Councillor Steven Carr Councillor Stewart Donaldson Councillor John Duff Councillor Angus Forbes Councillor Ken Harvey Councillor Noah Khogali Councillor Grant Laing Councillor Willie Robertson Councillor Frank Smith Councillor Colin Stewart Councillor Alan Watt Page 1 of 146
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Economy and Infrastructure Committee Wednesday, 28 May 2025 Agenda Members are reminded of their obligation to declare any financial or non- financial interest which they may have in any item on this agenda in accordance with the councillors’ code of conduct. 1 WELCOME AND APOLOGIES/SUBSTITUTES 2 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST 3 MINUTE OF MEETING OF THE ECONOMY AND INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE OF 5 FEBRUARY 2025 FOR APPROVAL (copy herewith) 5 - 8 4 OUTSTANDING BUSINESS STATEMENT 9 - 10 5 LDP3 - DEVELOPMENT PLAN SCHEME Report by Strategy Lead - Economy, Development and Planning (copy herewith 25/128) 11 - 60 6 PERTH AND KINROSS TOURISM STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN 2025-2030 Report by Strategic Lead - Economy, Development and Planning (copy herewith 25/129) 61 - 84 7 REVIEW OF PERTH HARBOUR OPERATIONS TO SUPPORT 'HARBOUR QUARTER' AND INNER RIVER TAY DEVELOPMENTS Report by Strategic Lead - Economy, Development and Planning (copy herewith 25/130) 85 - 104 8 SCHOOL EXCLUSION ZONE UPDATE Report by Strategic Lead - Environment and Infrastructure (copy herewith 25/131) 105 - 118 9 ACTIVE TRAVEL PRIORITISATION DELIVERY REPORT Report by Strategic Lead - Environment and Infrastructure (copy herewith 25/132) 119 - 146 Page 3 of 146
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Economy and Infrastructure Committee Minute of hybrid meeting of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee held in the Council Chambers on Monday 21 October 2024 at 10.00am. Present: Bailie R Brock, Councillors H Anderson, B Brawn (substituting for Councillor F Smith), S Donaldson, J Duff, A Forbes, K Harvey, N Khogali, G Laing, I Massie (substituting for Councillor S Carr), W Robertson (from Item 4 onwards), C Stewart and A Watt. In Attendance: C Mailer, Depute Chief Executive; D Littlejohn, Strategic Lead – Economy, Development and Planning; S Merone, Strategic Lead – Economy, Development and Planning; S MacDonald, A Seggie (up to and including Item 5), K Easton, S Cumiskey and G Pinfield (all Economy, Place and Learning); R Haynes (Environment and Infrastructure) (up to and including Item 4); A Taylor, S Hendry, A Brown and M Pasternak (all Legal and Governance). Apologies: Councillors S Carr and F Smith. Councillor E Drysdale, Convener, Presiding. 1. Welcome and Apologies Convener welcomed everyone to the meeting. Apologies for absence were noted as above. 2. Declarations of Interest There were no Declarations of Interests in terms of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct. 3. Minute of Meeting of Economy and Infrastructure Committee of 21 October 2024 The minute of the meeting of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee of 21 October 2024 was submitted and approved as a correct record. Prior to the commencement of the formal business on the agenda: A1. Convener’s Statement – Enva, Shore Terrace, Perth – Fire The Convener referred to the most recent fire at the Enva Waste Management site on Shore Terrace, Perth and the subsequent impact on the Friarton Road Bridge and to local residents. He advised that he would be inviting representatives of the site operators Enva, along with lead agencies SEPA, the Health and Safety Executive, Transport Scotland, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and Police Scotland to meet with the Leader of the Council, local parliamentarians and himself as soon as possible to seek assurances and to understand what action can and will be taken to prevent such incidents from recurring and to ensure effective collaboration across all agencies. He further committed to keep members of the 3 Page 5 of 146
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public, this Committee and ward Councillors informed of the outcomes of the discussions. 4. Outstanding Business Statement S Merone, Strategic Lead – Economy, Development and Planning provided a comprehensive update on the work that is currently underway with regards to Conservation Areas. He advised that there were currently four appraisals being carried out (Spittalfield, Meiklour, Birnam and Dunkeld). Resolved: The status of actions in the Outstanding Business Statement (25/26) be noted and completed actions removed accordingly. 5. Tay Cities Prospectus for Regional Growth (2025-2035) and Perth and Kinross Economic Action Plan (2025-2030) There was submitted a report by Strategic Lead – Economy, Development and Planning (25/27) (1) providing information on the Tay Cities Prospectus for Regional Growth (2025-2035); and (2) seeking endorsement of the draft Perth and Kinross Economic Action Plan (2025-2030) developed by the Perth and Kinross Economic Partnership prior to it going out for public consultation. Resolved: (i) The Tay Cities Prospectus for Regional Growth be noted. (ii) The draft Perth and Kinross Economic Action Plan developed by Perth and Kinross Economic Partnership be endorsed. (iii) It be noted that the Strategic Lead - Economy, Development and Planning will carry out a public consultation on behalf of Perth and Kinross Economic Partnership, and following consultation, finalise the Action Plan with Perth and Kinross Economic Partnership for delivery from 1 April 2025. (iv) Officers be instructed to bring back annual progress reports to this Committee for consideration. (There followed a short recess and the meeting reconvened at 11.45am.) 6. Perth and Kinross Visitor Levy There was submitted a report by the Strategic Lead – Housing and Communities (25/28) (1) providing details on how the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Act 2024 and the powers granted to local authorities could be applied within Perth and Kinross, and the process for considering this; and (2) seeking approval to commence early engagement on a potential visitor levy scheme for Perth and Kinross, recognising the importance of tourism on the local economy and the need for engagement with interested parties. Resolved: (i) The approach and timeline for early engagement on a potential visitor levy scheme for Perth and Kinross, as set out in Section 4.6 to Report 24/28, be approved. Page 6 of 146
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(ii) The Strategic Lead - Economy, Development and Planning be instructed to report back on the results of that early engagement and produce a draft Perth and Kinross Visitor Levy Scheme to Council in December 2025, for a decision on whether to proceed to formal consultation or not. 7. Valedictory – David Littlejohn The Convener and Elected Members paid tribute and passed on their best wishes for the future to David Littlejohn, Strategic Lead – Economy, Development and Planning who was retiring at the end of February after fourteen years with the Council. Page 7 of 146
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ECONOMY & INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE OUTSTANDING BUSINESS STATEMENT (OBS) (Report No. 25/127) Please note that this statement sets out outstanding decisions of this committee along with an update and estimated completion date. Actions which are overdue are shaded for ease of reference. Where an update reflects that an action is complete then the Committee’s agreement will be sought to its removal from the OBS. No Minute Reference Subject Title Outstanding Action Update Lead Officer /Service Action Due / Complete Action Expected 18. 28 August 2024 Item 5 Road Gully Cleansing Investigate technical feasibility of publicising gully cleansing and monitoring data, schedules and performance. A new interactive map showing when gullies in Perth and Kinross have been cleansed is now available on the Perth and Kinross Council website Map of gully maintenance schedule - Perth & Kinross Council. Data used to populate the map stretches back to April 2023. More gullies will be added as more are cleaned or repaired as part of the gully maintenance programme. Strategic Lead – Environment and Infrastructure COMPLETE April 2025 20. 5 February 2025 Convener’s Statement – ENVA Commitment to provide a detailed update following any meeting taking place with relevant authorities. Detailed update provided via media outlets on 22 February 2025. N/A COMPLETE 28 May 2025 4 Page 9 of 146
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No Minute Reference Subject Title Outstanding Action Update Lead Officer /Service Action Due / Complete Action Expected 21. 5 February 2025 Item 4 Tay Cities Prospectus for Regional Growth (2025-2035) and Perth and Kinross Economic Action Plan (2025-2030) Provide a response to Councillor Robertson and Members on the progress being made in tackling issues with a low wage economy. Email attaching a Briefing Note on ‘Wages in P&K’ sent to Councillor Robertson and all Committee Members on 27 March 2025. Alison Seggie COMPLETE 28 May 2025 22. 5 February 2025 Item 4 Tay Cities Prospectus for Regional Growth (2025-2035) and Perth and Kinross Economic Action Plan (2025-2030) Investigate and provide clarity to Councillor Duff and Members on the infographic detailed on Page 46 of Report 25/27) specifically on the figure of 9.3% of households in ‘urban adversity’ and whether there was an equivalent measure of households in rural adversity. Email providing clarity sent to Councillor Duff and all Committee Members on 5 March 2025. Alison Seggie COMPLETE 28 May 2025 Page 10 of 146
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Our vision is a Perth and Kinross where everyone can live life well, free from poverty and inequality ___________________________________________________________________ Committee or Board: Economy and Infrastructure Committee Date of Meeting: 28 May 2025 Report Title: LDP3 Development Plan Scheme Report Number: 25/128 Report Author: Brenda Murray, Local Development Plan Team Leader Organisational Lead: Serge Merone, Strategic Lead – Economy, Development and Planning ___________________________________________________________________ 1. Purpose 1.1 This report seeks approval for the updated statutory Development Plan Scheme (DPS) which proposes a revised timetable for the preparation of the next Perth and Kinross Local Development Plan (LDP3). The last update was approved by the Economy and Infrastructure Committee on 21 October 2024 (report 24/284 refers). It also highlights the recent addendum prepared in relation to the LDP2 Delivery Programme for noting. 1.2 Sections 1. Purpose 2. Recommendations 3. Background/Context 4. Main Issues 5. Proposals 6 Conclusion 7. Impact and Value Assessment 8. Appendices 2. Recommendations It is recommended that the Committee: 2.1 agrees the updated Perth & Kinross Council Development Plan Scheme 2.2 authorises the Strategic Lead – Economy, Development and Planning to submit the Scheme to the Scottish Ministers; 5 Page 11 of 146
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2.3 notes the publication of the addendum to the Delivery Programme for LDP2 3. Background/Context 3.1 A Development Plan Scheme is a document setting out a planning authority’s programme for preparing and reviewing their Local Development Plan (LDP). The Planning Authority is required to update its Development Plan Scheme at least annually. The last update was approved by the Economy and Infrastructure Committee on 21 October 2024 (report 24/284 refers). 3.2 Since publishing the Development Plan Scheme a significant milestone has been reached with the approval of the Evidence Report for LDP3 by Council in March of this year. Following approval, the Evidence Report was submitted to Scottish Ministers on 27 March 2025 for the Gate Check review and on 9 April 2025 Scottish Ministers appointed Stephen Hall BA(Hons) BPI MRTPI to consider whether the Evidence Report contains sufficient information to enable the Council to prepare LDP 3. 3.3 Following submission of the Evidence Report, it was considered prudent to revisit the timetable for the remainder of the plan preparation process. The timetable is a best estimate of when the various stages of the plan making process will be reached and, on that basis, is indicative and should be subject to regular review. The Development Plan Scheme must detail, by financial quarters, when various parts of the Local Development Plan will be produced, and if there are any changes to the timetable then those changes are legislatively required to be detailed in future Development Plan Schemes alongside the reasons why the timetable has been changed. 3.4 Stepping back to LDP2, and its Delivery Programme was last updated in February 2024. Since then, there has been a specific requirement from Scottish Ministers for delivery programmes to include the ‘sequencing of, and timescale for, the delivery of housing sites allocated in local development plans’ (Chief Planner Letter – June 2024). An addendum to the LDP2 Delivery Programme (Appendix 3) has therefore been prepared to establish a housing land pipeline for the delivery of housing sites allocated in LDP2. The addendum does not alter the content of the Delivery Programme but provides the existing information in a format prescribed by the Scottish Ministers. It is included within this report for noting purposes only. 4. Main Issues 4.1 On reviewing the timetable and considering the tasks to be undertaken during the following stages in the process, it is considered that more time is required to prepare the Proposed Plan, and that the following stages to adoption will be quicker than anticipated in the current Development Plan Scheme. 4.2 The overall timeframe as it currently stands in the Development Plan Scheme 2024 (Appendix 1 pages 4-5) remains unchanged with adoption of LDP3 late 2027. Page 12 of 146
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5. Proposals 5.1 There is a significant amount of work to be undertaken to prepare the Proposed Plan including: ‘Call for Sites’; Locality Profiles; Urban Capacity Study; Green Belt Review; identifying Nature Networks; site assessments; Transport Appraisal; identifying 20-minute neighbourhoods; developing local policy and place proposals; Strategic Environmental Assessment; and preparation of the Plans Delivery Programme. 5.2 Many of the tasks will require collaboration with stakeholders not just internally across Council Services to reflect the corporate role of the plan, but externally with key agencies, communities, infrastructure providers, the development industry and landowners. 5.3 By taking the time to encourage engagement and work collaboratively throughout plan preparation, this should deliver a plan which meets with greater consensus and fewer representations when published for consultation. The pathway for collaboration has already been established through the early engagement on the Evidence Report by way of the Big Place Conversation, Topic Paper Consultation and targeted engagement and this will be built upon throughout preparation of the Proposed Plan. 5.4 In addition, the assessment of the Evidence Report through the Gate Check process should reduce the level of debate arising at the Examination at the end of the plan preparation period. With this in mind, the timetable has been revised to allocate more time to preparing the Proposed Plan and less time for the period of examination to adoption. 5.4 The updated Development Plan Scheme in Appendix 2 (pages 4 & 5) shifts the balance of time across the LDP preparation timeframe to provide 21 months for Proposed Plan preparation (April 2025 - December 2026) and 12 months for the period of Proposed Plan consultation to adoption (January 2027 – December 2027), whilst still allowing some leeway for the current Scottish Government deadline of May 2028 for an up-to-date LDP being in place. 6 Conclusion 6.1 A review of the timetable for preparation of LDP3 has highlighted an imbalance in the timescales afforded to the remaining stages of plan preparation. The significant workload and requirement for collaborative preparation necessitates more time to be afforded to the Proposed Plan preparation and less to the later stages of Examination and Adoption. The date for adoption remains unchanged. 7. Impact and Value Assessment https://www.pkc.gov.uk/media/53944/LDP3-Development-Plan- Scheme/pdf/LDP3_Development_Plan_Scheme.pdf?m=1744812380233 Page 13 of 146
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8. Appendices 8.1 Appendix 1 – Perth & Kinross Development Plan Scheme 2024 8.2 Appendix 2 – Perth & Kinross Development Plan Scheme 2025 8.3 Appendix 3 – Perth & Kinross Local Development Plan 2: Delivery Programme 2019-2029 Addendum: 31 March 2025 Housing Land Pipeline Page 14 of 146
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rgr PERTH & KINROSS C O U N C IL Perth and Kinross DEVELOPMENT PLAN SCHEME Programme for Local Development Plan 3: October 2024 5 Page 15 of 146
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Perth and Kinross DEVELOPMENT PLAN SCHEME October 2024 1 Development Plan Scheme The Development Plan Scheme is a statement setting out Perth & Kinross Council’s timetable for the preparation of the next development plan. Under statutory guidance, all planning authorities are required to publish annually a Development Plan Scheme. The Development Plan Scheme will set out to include: an explanation of what the Local Development Plan is; a timetable for the preparation of the next plan, Local Development Plan 3; community engagement in the planning process and how relevant stakeholders, including residents of Perth and Kinross, can get involved. OVERVIEW Page 16 of 146
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Local Development Plan The Scottish Government requires every planning authority to prepare development plans for their area. The Development Plan is at the heart of the planning system setting out policies and proposals to guide the development, management and use of land. The Plan sets out a vision and a framework for future development; addressing needs and opportunities in relation to housing, economy, infrastructure, community facilities, safeguarding and enhancing environmental and landscape assets, the emerging needs of climate change and achieving well designed places for the residents, communities and businesses of Perth and Kinross. To support the preparation of the next Local Development Plan, there are a range of other plans and strategies that interlink with the LDP. National Planning Framework (NPF) Community Plan & Corporate Plan Regional Spatial Strategy Government advice & strategies Local Housing Strategy Local Place Plans The Development Plan National Planning Framework 4 Tayside Local Biodiversity Action Plan + Local Development Plan Strategies including Forest & Woodland, Open Space, Food Growing Climate Change Strategy & Action Plan Mobility Strategy Perth City Plan Planning Guidance Perth and Kinross DEVELOPMENT PLAN SCHEME October 2024 2 Page 17 of 146
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National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) LDP3 Process The Planning (Scotland) Act 2019 has introduced a number of changes to the key steps for preparing a Local Development Plan. Preparation of a new-style LDP will include: Evidence gathering and early community and stakeholder engagement leading to an Evidence Report. Submission of the Evidence Report to Scottish Ministers for an independent Gate Check. Collaborative plan preparation, leading to publication of the Proposed Plan for consultation. Submission of the Proposed Plan to Scottish Ministers for an independent examination of outstanding issues. Adoption of the Local Development Plan National Planning Framework 4 was adopted in February 2023 and forms part of the Development Plan. It covers the period from its adoption to 2045 with 10 year reviews. It is a long term strategy that plans for development and investment in infrastructure; and identifies national developments and other strategically important opportunities in Scotland. The NPF contains both spatial and thematic planning policies and sets out the national policy position for land use planning. It will be used to determine planning applications. The New Plan: LDP3 Supporting assessmentsAlongside National Planning Framework 4, the Local Development Plan (LDP3) will be the main document which will influence future built development in Perth and Kinross. As NPF4 contains planning policy, new LDPs will be place-based documents with emphasis on maps, site briefs and masterplans, with minimal policy wording. The policies and proposals within the LDP are to be focused on places and locations, while National Planning Framework 4 will provide overarching thematic policies for decision making. There are several assessments that must be undertaken to support the preparation of a new Local Development Plan. They are an integral part of the plan-making process and should inform, and be informed by, the plan as it is being prepared. These include: Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Public Sector Equality Duty Assessment Fairer Scotland Duty Assessment Habitats Regulations Appraisal Perth and Kinross DEVELOPMENT PLAN SCHEME October 2024 3 Page 18 of 146
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LDP3 Timeline The LDP3 Timeline opposite shows the timescales for each stage of the plan making process. Key to note is the extended timescale for preparation of the Evidence Report. The previous Development Plan Scheme (November 2023) anticipated that the Evidence Report would be published by September 2024, however, it is now programmed for Q4 2025 (January - March). This is in part due to the success of the early engagement activities undertaken in the form of the Big Place Conversation and consultation on policy themed Topic Papers. These generated a significant level of responses, necessitating a lengthier period than anticipated for analysis, and inclusion where appropriate, within the Evidence Report. In addition, time has been added to review and learn from recent decisions issued by the DPEA in relation to other Planning Authorities’ Evidence Reports, and to pick up on the matters raised and make sure points relevant to our Evidence Report are addressed before submission. Whilst the period for preparing the Evidence Report has been extended by approximately six months, it then aims to recover this time by shortening later stages of plan production. This means that the intended adoption date for the new Local Development Plan remains unchanged at circa Q3 2027 (Oct-Dec 2027). The adoption date, whilst not exact, remains likely to be late 2027. Stage When Evidence Report Gather evidence 2022 – December 2024 Engage with public and groups on evidence January 2023-December 2024 Finalise and Publish Evidence Report and SEA Scoping Report March 2025 Gatecheck Examination of the Evidence Report April – June 2025* Proposed Plan Call for Ideas and Sites April – May 2025 Prepare Proposed Plan, Delivery Programme April – December 2025 Prepare Equalities Impact Assessment, Public Sector Equality Duty Assessment, Fairer Scotland Duty Assessment and Habitat Regulations Appraisal April – December 2025 Publish and consult on Proposed Plan and the SEA Report January – March 2026 Publish Equalities Impact Assessment, Public Sector Equality Duty Assessment, Fairer Scotland Duty Assessment and Habitat Regulations Appraisal alongside Proposed Plan January 2026 Assess representations. Consider any changes and progress to examination stage. April – December 2026** Table continues on next page Perth and Kinross DEVELOPMENT PLAN SCHEME October 2024 4 Page 19 of 146
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Perth and Kinross DEVELOPMENT PLAN SCHEME October 2024 5 Stage When Examination Examination of Proposed LDP3 January – June 2027** Consider Examination recommendations. Publish any changes. Resend modified Proposed LDP3 to Scottish Ministers July – September 2027** Amend SEA in light of Examination recommendations, if necessary July – September 2027** Adoption Publish and Publicise Adopted LDP3 October – December 2027 Publish SEA Post Adoption Statement Post December 2027 * This timescale is based on information from the Scottish Government and will depend on the complexity of issues in the Evidence Report. ** This timescale for this stage will depend on the number and complexity of representations received to the Proposed Plan. A detailed timeline outlining the Local Development Plan’s key stages and the types of engagement to take place is provided in the Participation Statement. All planning authorities have five years from the regulations coming into force to replace their current Local Development Plan with a new style Local Development Plan. This means the Council must prepare and adopt LDP3 by no later than May 2028. Development Plan Schemes must specify the numbered Quarter (Q) and the year in which the planning authority expects to publish certain elements of the Local Development Plan process. This applies to the following stages: Publish Evidence Report Q4 2025 (January - March 2025) Publish Proposed Plan Q4 2026 (January - March 2026) Send Proposed Plan to Scottish Ministers Q4 2027 (January - March 2027) Adopt LDP3 Q3 2027 (October - Dec 2027) Note: for the above, a Quarter refers to a three-month period of each financial year which runs from April to March. Quarter 1 is April to the end of June; Quarter 2 is July to the end of September; Quarter 3 is October to the end of December; and Quarter 4 is January to end of March. Page 20 of 146
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Perth and Kinross DEVELOPMENT PLAN SCHEME October 2024 6 Mediation The Council will work with all stakeholders to discuss any issues which could lead to potential challenges/concerns throughout the plan preparation process. One method that can be used to support this is mediation, which can help aid discussions. The preparation of the Evidence Report may provide the opportunity for concerns or disputes in the evidence base to be discussed, to explore whether a potential dispute may be resolved at this stage. Mediation may be used in the latter stages of the plan preparation when the Proposed Plan is published and subject to further representations. The Council will be open to considering any requests from stakeholders to use mediation, taking into account the potential benefits in terms of saving time and cost, and fostering better relationships going forward. This could be on an informal basis or through an independent third party Local Place Plans Local Place Plans (LPPs) offer communities the opportunity to produce a plan for their area expressing their aspirations and ambitions for future change. They focus on the community’s proposals for the development and use of land and provide a new opportunity for communities to feed into the planning system with ideas and proposals. LPPs may be registered and taken account of in LDP3. While the regulations set out the legislative process, they leave scope for different approaches to preparation and consultation of an LPP. For each LPP to be taken into account in the LDP process, an LPP Expression of Interest may be submitted at the start of its preparation, and those LPPs that are registered by 31 January 2025 will have most opportunity to be taken into account when preparing the Local Development Plan. Information and guidance have been published for community groups who are interested in producing their own LPP and communities can seek assistance from the Council and its partners. This process of support is designed to be flexible to respond to issues as they arise. Further information on LPPs can be found here: Local Place Plans - Perth & Kinross Council (www.pkc.gov.uk/localplaceplans) Page 21 of 146
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Participation Statement The Planning (Scotland) Act 2019 places an increased emphasis on up-front engagement. This means that consultation needs to be comprehensive, co-ordinated and collaborative. The Participation Statement sets out our approach to consultation and engagement associated with the review of the Perth & Kinross Local Development Plan 3 (LDP3). Our consultation commitment is set out below. Consultation Commitment Statement The LDP3 engagement and evidence building process will be: Perth and Kinross Local Development Plan review: participation statement October 2024 7 Relevant Discussions will be relevant to each group or stakeholder, including both settlement development and policies and the methods that are used to carry out those discussions. Inclusive To shape places that work for all we will proactively seek the views of all people, especially those with specific needs and those whose views are seldom heard; identify and overcome barriers to engagement and invest in the promotion of the benefits of engaging. Informed Discussions will be informed by evidence already available including data gathering and prior consultations to ensure contributions have a greater impact and are more efficient Co-ordinated A joined up approach with the rest of Council and Council strategies, will deliver greater efficiency, and help avoid consultation fatigue. Information fed back to other departments will also help deliver their priorities Collaborative Co-designing consultation and supporting community partners to carry out their own engagement work will ensure the greatest reach and response working Transparent Ongoing communication and feedback between the team and stakeholders, communities and partners will support better outcomes and promote acceptance of outcomes. Accessible Engagement events and materials for the general public must be accessible to all wherever possible, and tailored arrangements made where this is not possible. Page 22 of 146
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Participation Statement Who will be consulted? Everyone will have an opportunity to get involved and comment throughout the LDP3 in the various stages of plan preparation. Once the Proposed LDP3 has been published there will be limited opportunity for further engagement, so it is important to get involved during the earlier stages of the process to ensure your voice is heard. We will keep you updated on when events are happening by publicising them on our website, through Council social media accounts such as facebook, using email updates and through the DPS Participation Statement. Throughout the preparation of LDP3, our approach to engagement and consultation will be based on a collaborative approach, including (but not exclusively) representatives of the following: Community Planning Partners: Jobcentre Plus NHS Tayside Perth & Kinross Association of Voluntary Services (PKAVS) UHI Perth Police Scotland Scottish Enterprise Scottish Fire & Rescue Service Skills Development Scotland Community Development Trusts Communities of Interest Landowners and Developers Businesses and business groups Locality Partnerships Tertiary students Older people Communities wishing to prepare Local Place Plans Where not already specified, we will seek the views of representatives of the following particular groups of people: children and young people disabled people Gypsy/Travellers Community Councils Key agencies: NatureScot SEPA Scottish Water Scottish Enterprise TACTRAN NHS Tayside Historic Environment Scotland Scottish Forestry Transport Scotland Perth and Kinross Local Development Plan review: participation statement October 2024 8 Page 23 of 146
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Methods for Engagement The experience of preparing previous LDPs has helped us learn how to improve the way we include the public and reach a wide range of people. We are conscious that the pandemic and the cost-of-living crises have had an impact on people, which is why we are proposing to have a mix of in person and digital platform consultation and engagement events and meetings. Proposed methods for information sharing, engagement and consultation for the preparation of LDP3 may include: Press releases; Social media alerts; Information and updates on Council webpage; Directly notifying people signed up to our updates mailing list. You can sign up here developmentplan@pkc.gov.uk In person and online meetings and discussions; Drop-in sessions and engagement events using the Place Standard Tool in various locations across the council area; Engaging with under-represented groups; Notifying neighbouring properties to sites that are being considered for inclusion within the plan; Council Consultation Hub – online questionnaires Key Stages in the process for engaging The following section outlines the key stages of preparation and the actions that have been/will be undertaken. Perth and Kinross Local Development Plan review: participation statement October 2024 9 Page 24 of 146
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Prepare Evidence Report (commenced 2022 and ongoing through to late 2024) Identification of groups and stakeholders to be proactively engaged Early 2022 Discussion with community partners and community councils on best consultation methods Early 2022 Co-ordination with other PKC departments on delivery of engagement, including those that may not need targeting at this early stage due to recent or existing work Mid 2022 Co-ordination with other PKC departments, community councils and community development trusts to secure way forward for Local Place Plans Late 2022 Launch of online area wide place feedback platform on consultation hub December 2022 Publicity and media support for upcoming engagement activities and throughout January-August 2023 Exploration of issues of importance with communities of place and community councils through Place Standard; including tailored discussions reflecting both policies and place such as affordable housing or natural space needs January-August 2023 General opportunities for the public (including landowners and developers) for discussions on policy and place such as the online place standard or surveys on consultation hub January-August 2023 Local Place Plan invitation October 2023 Assisting Community Councils and community partners to support the delivery of inclusive engagement to support LDP work and feeding into Local Place Plans January 2023-October 2024 Targeted discussions online and in person around policy with specified communities of interest or with specific (land use) need January-December 2023 Sharing and co-ordination of information with other services and strategies including Perth People Place and Mobility Strategy Late 2023 Targeted discussions with communities of interest or need about the places they live to support the wider public consultation January-December 2023 Discussion with key agencies and PKC stakeholders on data gathered to date and future plans that may affect policies or place including capacity of education, health, water etc. Late 2023-December 2024 Evidence Report checked for compatibility with any Local Place Plans; and place-based evidence shared with communities to inform LPPs Late 2023-December 2024 Perth and Kinross Local Development Plan review: participation statement October 2024 10 Page 25 of 146
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Collation and Submission of Evidence Report for Gate Check (April 2025) Collation of information and analysis of data and consultation exercises to inform identification of sites at the next stage October 2023-December 2024 Collation, publication and submission of the Evidence Report February – March 2025 Perth and Kinross Local Development Plan review: participation statement October 2024 11 Page 26 of 146
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Collaborative Preparation of Proposed Plan (April 2025 to early 2026) Following gatecheck of the Evidence Report, should any additional consultation be required by the Reporter this will be carried out and the final Evidence Report resubmitted April-June 2025 Issue Call for Sites and Ideas April-May 2025 Local policy options relevant to each group or stakeholder discussed to find a preferred way forward or options April-December 2025 Specific policy and place ideas, including those in Local Place Plans, explored with communities and discussed with developer and landowner groups and contacts April-December 2025 Place proposals analysed (draft SEA and HRA) and comments sought from specific groups previously engaged with, community councils and public at large on preferred options April-December 2025 Policy and site preferences discussed with key agencies and PKC stakeholders April-December 2025 All consultation and evidence analysed; outstanding issues discussed with stakeholders and potential resolutions incorporated into the Proposed Plan Late 2025 Proposed Plan drafted and submitted to Council Early 2026 Perth and Kinross Local Development Plan review: participation statement October 2024 12 Page 27 of 146
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Perth and Kinross Local Development Plan review: participation statement October 2024 13 Proposed Plan Consultation (early to mid 2026) Proposed Plan is published alongside HRA and SEA and general consultation January-March 2026 Public events to publicise the Proposed Plan and invite comments January-March 2026 Evidence is shared with communities preparing Local Place Plans Early 2026 Page 28 of 146
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Examination of Proposed Plan (late 2026 to early 2027) Prepare examination papers April-December 2026 Proposed Plan with any modifications submitted to Scottish Ministers together with a Late 2026-Early 2027 summary of unresolved issues Modify Proposed Plan (mid 2027) Make requisite modifications to Proposed Plan on receipt of examination report July-September 2027 Adopt Local Development Plan (mid-late 2027) Publish adopted Local Development Plan October-December 2027 Publish post-adoption statement Post-December 2027 Adopt and publish the Delivery Programme Post-December 2027 Perth and Kinross Local Development Plan review: participation statement October 2024 14 Page 29 of 146
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If you or someone you know would like a copy of this document in another language or format, (on occasion, only a summary of the document will be provided in translation), this can be arranged by contacting the Customer Service Centre on 01738 475000. You can also send us a text message on 07824 498145. All Council Services can offer a telephone translation facility. For key updates on the preparation of LDP3 please email developmentplan@pkc.gov.uk and ask to be added onto our database. (PKC Design Team - 2020167) www.pkc.gov.uk Page 30 of 146
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rgr PERTH & KINROSS C O U N C IL Perth and Kinross DEVELOPMENT PLAN SCHEME Programme for Local Development Plan 3: May 2025 DRAFT 5 Page 31 of 146
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Perth and Kinross DEVELOPMENT PLAN SCHEME May 2025 1 Development Plan Scheme The Development Plan Scheme is a statement setting out Perth & Kinross Council’s timetable for the preparation of the next development plan. Under statutory guidance, all planning authorities are required to publish annually a Development Plan Scheme. The Development Plan Scheme will set out to include: an explanation of what the Local Development Plan is; a timetable for the preparation of the next plan, Local Development Plan 3; community engagement in the planning process and how relevant stakeholders, including residents of Perth and Kinross, can get involved. OVERVIEW Page 32 of 146
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Local Development Plan The Scottish Government requires every planning authority to prepare development plans for their area. The Development Plan is at the heart of the planning system setting out policies and proposals to guide the development, management and use of land. The Plan sets out a vision and a framework for future development; addressing needs and opportunities in relation to housing, economy, infrastructure, community facilities, safeguarding and enhancing environmental and landscape assets, the emerging needs of climate change and achieving well designed places for the residents, communities and businesses of Perth and Kinross. To support the preparation of the next Local Development Plan, there are a range of other plans and strategies that interlink with the LDP. National Planning Framework (NPF4) Community Plan & Corporate Plan Regional Spatial Strategy Government advice & strategies Local Housing Strategy Local Place Plans The Development Plan National Planning Framework 4 Tayside Local Biodiversity Action Plan + Local Development Plan Strategies including Forest & Woodland, Open Space, Food Growing Climate Change Strategy & Action Plan Mobility Strategy Perth City Plan Planning Guidance Perth and Kinross DEVELOPMENT PLAN SCHEME May 2025 2 Page 33 of 146
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National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) LDP3 Process The Planning (Scotland) Act 2019 has introduced a number of changes to the key steps for preparing a Local Development Plan. Preparation of a new-style LDP will include: Evidence gathering and early community and stakeholder engagement leading to an Evidence Report. Submission of the Evidence Report to Scottish Ministers for an independent Gate Check. Collaborative plan preparation, leading to publication of the Proposed Plan for consultation. Submission of the Proposed Plan to Scottish Ministers for an independent examination of outstanding issues. Adoption of the Local Development Plan National Planning Framework 4 was adopted in February 2023 and forms part of the Development Plan. It covers the period from its adoption to 2045 with 10 year reviews. It is a long term strategy that plans for development and investment in infrastructure; and identifies national developments and other strategically important opportunities in Scotland. The NPF contains both spatial and thematic planning policies and sets out the national policy position for land use planning. It will be used to determine planning applications. The New Plan: LDP3 Supporting assessmentsAlongside National Planning Framework 4, the Local Development Plan (LDP3) will be the main document which will influence future built development in Perth and Kinross. As NPF4 contains planning policy, new LDPs will be place-based documents with emphasis on maps, site briefs and masterplans, with minimal policy wording. The policies and proposals within the LDP are to be focused on places and locations, while National Planning Framework 4 will provide overarching thematic policies for decision making. There are several assessments that must be undertaken to support the preparation of a new Local Development Plan. They are an integral part of the plan-making process and should inform, and be informed by, the plan as it is being prepared. These include: Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Public Sector Equality Duty Assessment Fairer Scotland Duty Assessment Habitats Regulations Appraisal Perth and Kinross DEVELOPMENT PLAN SCHEME May 2025 3 Page 34 of 146
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LDP3 Timeline The LDP3 Timeline opposite shows the timescales for each stage of the plan making process. Key to note is the extended timescale for preparation of the Proposed Plan. The previous Development Plan Scheme (October 2024) anticipated that the Proposed Plan would be published during Q4 2025 (January - March), however it is now programmed for Q4 2026 (January - March). There is a significant amount of work to be undertaken to prepare the Proposed Plan. Many of the tasks ahead will require collaboration both internally, and with key agencies, communities, infrastructure providers, the development industry, and landowners. This pathway for collaboration has already been established through the earlier engagement for the Evidence Report. Preparation of the Evidence Report, followed by a stage that allocates more time to engage and work collaboratively to prepare the Proposed Plan, should produce a plan that meets with greater consensus at the Examination stage. This has led us to revise the timetable to allocate more time to preparing the Proposed Plan and less time for the period from Examination to Adoption. The LDP3 Timeline on the next page shows the timescales for each stage of the plan making process. Key to note is the extended timescale for preparation of the Proposed Plan. The previous Development Plan Scheme (October 2024) anticipated that the Proposed Plan would be published during Q4 2025/6 (January – March 2026), however it is now programmed for Q4 2026/7 (January – March 2027). There is a significant amount of work to be undertaken to prepare the Proposed Plan. Many of the tasks ahead will require collaboration both internally, and with key agencies, communities, infrastructure providers, the development industry, and landowners. This pathway for collaboration has already been established through the earlier engagement for the Evidence Report. Preparation of the Evidence Report, followed by a stage that allocates more time to engage and work collaboratively to prepare the Proposed Plan, should produce a plan that meets with greater consensus at the Examination stage. This has led us to revise the timetable to allocate more time to preparing the Proposed Plan and less time for the period from Examination to Adoption. This means that the intended adoption date for the new Local Development Plan, whilst not exact, remains unchanged and likely to be late 2027. All planning authorities have five years from the regulations coming into force to replace their current Local Development Plan with a new style Local Development Plan. This means the Council must prepare and adopt LDP3 by no later than May 2028. Development Plan Schemes must specify the numbered Quarter (Q) and the year in which the planning authority expects to publish certain elements of the Local Development Plan process. This applies to the following stages: Publish Evidence Report Q4 2024/5 (Jan - Mar 2025) Publish Proposed Plan Q4 2026/7 (Jan - Mar 2027) Send Proposed Plan to Scottish Ministers Q1 2027/8 (Apr - Jun 2027) Adopt LDP3 Q3 2027/8 (Oct - Dec 2027) A detailed timeline outlining the Local Development Plan’s key stages and the types of engagement to take place is provided in the Participation Statement. Perth and Kinross DEVELOPMENT PLAN SCHEME May 2025 4 Page 35 of 146
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Perth and Kinross DEVELOPMENT PLAN SCHEME May 2025 5 Page 36 of 146
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Perth and Kinross DEVELOPMENT PLAN SCHEME May 2025 6 Mediation The Council will work with all stakeholders to discuss any issues which could lead to potential challenges/concerns throughout the plan preparation process. One method that can be used to support this is mediation, which can help aid discussions. The preparation of the Evidence Report may provide the opportunity for concerns or disputes in the evidence base to be discussed, to explore whether a potential dispute may be resolved at this stage. Mediation may be used in the latter stages of the plan preparation when the Proposed Plan is published and subject to further representations. The Council will be open to considering any requests from stakeholders to use mediation, taking into account the potential benefits in terms of saving time and cost, and fostering better relationships going forward. This could be on an informal basis or through an independent third party Local Place Plans Local Place Plans offer communities the opportunity to produce a plan for their area expressing their aspirations and ambitions for future change. They focus on the community’s proposals for the development and use of land and provide a new opportunity for communities to feed into the planning system with ideas and proposals. While the steps to prepare a Local Place Plan are set out in regulations and guidance, there is scope for different approaches to be taken. Once registered, Local Place Plans are taken into account when the Proposed Plan is being prepared. They are valuable because they help us to better understand local issues and how to meet the community’s needs. Local Place Plans may be prepared at any time; however those that are registered in 2025 will have most opportunity to be taken into account when preparing the Proposed Plan. Information and guidance have been published for community groups who are interested in producing their own Local Place Plan and communities can seek assistance from the Council and its partners. This process of support is designed to be flexible to respond to issues as they arise. Further information on Local Place Plans can be found here: Local Place Plans - Perth & Kinross Council (www.pkc.gov.uk/localplaceplans) Page 37 of 146
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Participation Statement The Planning (Scotland) Act 2019 places an increased emphasis on up-front engagement. This means that consultation needs to be comprehensive, co-ordinated and collaborative. The Participation Statement sets out our approach to consultation and engagement associated with the review of the Perth & Kinross Local Development Plan 3 (LDP3). Our consultation commitment is set out below. Consultation Commitment Statement The LDP3 engagement and evidence building process will be: Perth and Kinross Local Development Plan review: participation statement May 2025 7 Relevant Discussions will be relevant to each group or stakeholder, including both settlement development and policies and the methods that are used to carry out those discussions. Inclusive To shape places that work for all we will proactively seek the views of all people, especially those with specific needs and those whose views are seldom heard; identify and overcome barriers to engagement and invest in the promotion of the benefits of engaging. Informed Discussions will be informed by evidence already available including data gathering and prior consultations to ensure contributions have a greater impact and are more efficient Co-ordinated A joined up approach with the rest of Council and Council strategies, will deliver greater efficiency, and help avoid consultation fatigue. Information fed back to other departments will also help deliver their priorities Collaborative Co-designing consultation and supporting community partners to carry out their own engagement work will ensure the greatest reach and response working Transparent Ongoing communication and feedback between the team and stakeholders, communities and partners will support better outcomes and promote acceptance of outcomes. Accessible Engagement events and materials for the general public must be accessible to all wherever possible, and tailored arrangements made where this is not possible. Page 38 of 146
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Participation Statement Who will be consulted? Everyone will have an opportunity to get involved and comment throughout the LDP3 in the various stages of plan preparation. Once the Proposed LDP3 has been published there will be limited opportunity for further engagement, so it is important to get involved during the earlier stages of the process to ensure your voice is heard. We will keep you updated on when events are happening by publicising them on our website, through Council social media accounts such as facebook, using email updates and through the DPS Participation Statement. Throughout the preparation of LDP3, our approach to engagement and consultation will be based on a collaborative approach, including (but not exclusively) representatives of the following: Community Planning Partners: Jobcentre Plus NHS Tayside Perth & Kinross Association of Voluntary Services (PKAVS) UHI Perth Police Scotland Scottish Enterprise Scottish Fire & Rescue Service Skills Development Scotland Community Development Trusts Communities of Interest Landowners and Developers Businesses and business groups Locality Partnerships Tertiary students Older people Communities wishing to prepare Local Place Plans Where not already specified, we will seek the views of representatives of the following particular groups of people: children and young people disabled people Gypsy/Travellers Community Councils Key agencies: NatureScot SEPA Scottish Water Scottish Enterprise TACTRAN NHS Tayside Historic Environment Scotland Scottish Forestry Transport Scotland Perth and Kinross Local Development Plan review: participation statement May 2025 8 Page 39 of 146
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Methods for Engagement The experience of preparing previous LDPs has helped us learn how to improve the way we include the public and reach a wide range of people. We are conscious that the pandemic and the cost-of-living crises have had an impact on people, which is why we are proposing to have a mix of in person and digital platform consultation and engagement events and meetings. Proposed methods for information sharing, engagement and consultation for the preparation of LDP3 may include: Press releases; Social media alerts; Information and updates on Council webpage; Directly notifying people signed up to our updates mailing list. You can sign up here developmentplan@pkc.gov.uk In person and online meetings and discussions; Drop-in sessions and engagement events using the Place Standard Tool in various locations across the council area; Engaging with under-represented groups; Notifying neighbouring properties to sites that are being considered for inclusion within the plan; Council Consultation Hub – online questionnaires Key Stages in the process for engaging The following section outlines the key stages of preparation and the actions that have been/will be undertaken. Perth and Kinross Local Development Plan review: participation statement May 2025 9 Page 40 of 146
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Prepare Evidence Report (commenced 2022 and ongoing through to late 2024) Identification of groups and stakeholders to be proactively engaged Early 2022 Discussion with community partners and community councils on best consultation methods Early 2022 Co-ordination with other PKC departments on delivery of engagement, including those that may not need targeting at this early stage due to recent or existing work Mid 2022 Co-ordination with other PKC departments, community councils and community development trusts to secure way forward for Local Place Plans Late 2022 Launch of online area wide place feedback platform on consultation hub December 2022 Publicity and media support for upcoming engagement activities and throughout January-August 2023 Exploration of issues of importance with communities of place and community councils through Place Standard; including tailored discussions reflecting both policies and place such as affordable housing or natural space needs January-August 2023 General opportunities for the public (including landowners and developers) for discussions on policy and place such as the online place standard or surveys on consultation hub January-August 2023 Local Place Plan invitation October 2023 Assisting Community Councils and community partners to support the delivery of inclusive engagement to support LDP work and feeding into Local Place Plans January 2023-October 2024 Targeted discussions online and in person around policy with specified communities of interest or with specific (land use) need January-December 2023 Sharing and co-ordination of information with other services and strategies including Perth People Place and Mobility Strategy Late 2023 Targeted discussions with communities of interest or need about the places they live to support the wider public consultation January-December 2023 Discussion with key agencies and PKC stakeholders on data gathered to date and future plans that may affect policies or place including capacity of education, health, water etc. Late 2023-December 2024 Evidence Report checked for compatibility with any Local Place Plans; and place-based evidence shared with communities to inform LPPs Late 2023-December 2024 Perth and Kinross Local Development Plan review: participation statement May 2025 10 Page 41 of 146
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Collation and Submission of Evidence Report for Gate Check (April 2025) Collation of information and analysis of data and consultation exercises to inform identification of sites at the next stage October 2023-December 2024 Collation, publication and submission of the Evidence Report February – March 2025 Perth and Kinross Local Development Plan review: participation statement May 2025 11 Page 42 of 146
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Collaborative Preparation of Proposed Plan (April 2025 to early 2027) Following gatecheck of the Evidence Report, should any additional consultation be required by the Reporter this will be carried out and the final Evidence Report resubmitted June-July 2025 Issue Call for Sites April-June 2025 Local policy options relevant to each group or stakeholder discussed to find a preferred way forward or options April 2025-September 2026 Specific policy and place ideas, including those in Local Place Plans, explored with communities and discussed with developer and landowner groups and contacts April 2025-April 2026 Place proposals analysed (draft SEA and HRA) and comments sought from specific groups previously engaged with, community councils and public at large on preferred options April 2025-December 2026 Policy and site preferences discussed with key agencies and PKC stakeholders April-December 2025 All consultation and evidence analysed; outstanding issues discussed with stakeholders and potential resolutions incorporated into the Proposed Plan Autumn 2026 Proposed Plan drafted and submitted to Council Late 2026 Perth and Kinross Local Development Plan review: participation statement May 2025 12 Page 43 of 146
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Perth and Kinross Local Development Plan review: participation statement May 2025 13 Proposed Plan Consultation (early 2027) Proposed Plan is published alongside HRA and SEA and general consultation January-March 2027 Public events to publicise the Proposed Plan and invite comments January-March 2027 Page 44 of 146
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Examination of Proposed Plan (early to mid 2027) Prepare examination papers March-May 2027 Proposed Plan with any modifications submitted to Scottish Ministers together with a August 2027 summary of unresolved issues Modify Proposed Plan (mid to late 2027) Make requisite modifications to Proposed Plan on receipt of examination report September-October 2027 Adopt Local Development Plan (mid-late 2027) Publish adopted Local Development Plan December 2027 Publish SEA post-adoption statement December 2027 Adopt and publish the Delivery Programme Post-December 2027 Perth and Kinross Local Development Plan review: participation statement May 2025 14 Page 45 of 146
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If you or someone you know would like a copy of this document in another language or format, (on occasion, only a summary of the document will be provided in translation), this can be arranged by contacting the Customer Service Centre on 01738 475000. You can also send us a text message on 07824 498145. All Council Services can offer a telephone translation facility. For key updates on the preparation of LDP3 please email developmentplan@pkc.gov.uk and ask to be added onto our database. (PKC Design Team - 2020167) www.pkc.gov.uk Page 46 of 146
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Perth & Kinross Council Local Development Plan 2: Delivery Programme 2019-2029 Addendum: 31 March 2025 Housing Land Pipeline 5 Page 47 of 146
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1 Contents Page Introduction and reason for addendum 2 Local Development Plan 2 Delivery Programme – Housing Land Pipeline 3 Delivery Programme February 2024 update – Housing Land Pipeline 8 Feedback and future LDP2 Delivery Programmes 13 Page 48 of 146
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2 Introduction and reason for addendum The Delivery Programme 2019-2029 (published in January 2020) was prepared to support the delivery of the Perth & Kinross Local Development Plan (LDP) 2. It set out the actions and partnerships required to implement the Plan. The Delivery Programme has since been updated and re- published in February 2022 and again in February 2024. As was reported to Committee with the February 2024 update, the Local Development Planning Guidance published in May 2023 sets out a significantly enhanced role for delivery programmes. In accordance with The Planning (Scotland) Act 2019 (Commencement No.12 and Saving and Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2023 the Council had already moved from preparing an ‘Action Programme’ to a ‘Delivery Programme’. It was recognised, however, that trying to retrospectively prepare a delivery programme for the adopted LDP2 (by then four years old) which would meet all the new asks set out in the Local Development Plan Guidance would be extremely challenging and resource intensive, and would significantly impact on planning officers’ ability to resource the preparation of the new delivery programme for LDP3. It was suggested that it was reasonable and proportionate to update the LDP2 Delivery Programme along similar lines to that which had been done previously, and the updated Programme was agreed by Committee on that basis. Since the February 2024 Delivery Programme update, however, there has come a specific requirement from Scottish Ministers for delivery programmes to include the ‘sequencing of, and timescale for, the delivery of housing sites allocated in local development plans’ (Chief Planner Letter – June 2024). This addendum to the LDP2 Delivery Programme has therefore been prepared to establish a housing land pipeline for the delivery of housing sites allocated in LDP2. Page 49 of 146
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3 Local Development Plan 2 Delivery Programme – Housing Land Pipeline The purpose of the housing land pipeline is to provide a transparent view of the phasing of housing allocations. Representing when land will be brought forward, phasing is expected across the short, medium and long term. The annual housing land audit should monitor the delivery of housing land by collating information on past completions and the forward programming of new homes (Local Development Planning Guidance). Figure 1 sets out the expected sequencing of LDP2 housing land allocations by Housing Market Area when the Plan was adopted in November 2019. This information has been extracted from the 2018 Housing Land Audit which was the most recently published Audit when the Plan was adopted. Figure 2 sets out the programming by year. KEY Under construction or where first homes are to be completed in years 1-3 (short-term sites) Where first homes are to be completed in years 4-6 (medium-term sites) Where first homes are to be completed in years 7-10 (long-term sites) Sites currently constrained Figure 1 LDP2 allocations by expected year of first completions and Housing Market Area SETTLEMENT SITE NAME SITE DEVELOPER LDP2 SITE REF Audit year 2018/19 Year 1 2019/20 Year 2 2020/21 Year 3 2021/22 Year 4 2022/23 Year 5 2023/24 Year 6 2024/25 Year 7 2025/26 Year 8 2026/27 Year 9 2027/28 Year 10 2028/29 Beyond year 10 2029+ GREATER DUNDEE HOUSING MARKET AREA Inchture Moncur Farm Road Private/ HA H24 10 25 25 6 HIGHLAND PERTHSHIRE HOUSING MARKET AREA Ballinluig Buail Bhan 1 (1 suspensive condition outstanding) Atholl Estates H40 5 5 5 Pitlochry Middleton of Fonab A & J Stephen/ HA H38 5 10 10 10 10 10 10 4 Aberfeldy Borlick A & J Stephen/ HA H36 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 Murthly Bridge Road A & J Stephen/ HA H45 6 6 Kenmore Primary School East Private/ HA H42 5 5 5 5 5 2 Pitlochry Robertson Crescent A & J Stephen/ HA H39 5 10 10 13 12 12 12 12 Page 50 of 146
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4 SETTLEMENT SITE NAME SITE DEVELOPER LDP2 SITE REF Audit year 2018/19 Year 1 2019/20 Year 2 2020/21 Year 3 2021/22 Year 4 2022/23 Year 5 2023/24 Year 6 2024/25 Year 7 2025/26 Year 8 2026/27 Year 9 2027/28 Year 10 2028/29 Beyond year 10 2029+ KINROSS HOUSING MARKET AREA Kinross Town Hall, 108-114 High Street Edinburgh MI Ltd Op24 9 Balado Balado (further applications received) Messrs Lawrie & Sons/ Premier Properties H51 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 Hattonburn Hattonburn Stewart Milne Homes H52 18 4 Milnathort Pace Hill Dundas Estates H49 25 25 18 Milnathort Pitdownie Trustees of Church of Scotland/ Ferrand Trust H48 5 5 15 10 14 Milnathort Old Perth Road Stewart Milne H50 14 12 Powmill Gartwhinzean 2 Thomson Homes H53 5 10 10 10 10 10 4 by Milnathort Ochil Hills Hospital Fossoway LLP Op19 5 10 10 10 Scotlandwell Scotlandwell Private/ HA H54 5 5 5 5 6 Blairingone Blairingone North Private/ HA MU74 GREATER PERTH HOUSING MARKET AREA Perth Gannochy Road (detail for 48) Gannochy Trust H3 10 24 14 17 17 Bridge of Earn Kintillo Road King Group/ Ogilvie Homes/ HA H72 20 15 15 15 15 Stanley Station Road / Linn Road (PH1 detail for 35) Muir Homes H33 25 24 Perth Berthapark (detail for PH1) Springfield Properties/ HA MU345 44 92 80 105 105 100 100 100 100 100 100 1974 Luncarty Luncarty South A & J Stephen, I & H Brown/ HA MU27 5 20 20 20 20 20 25 25 25 25 469 Stanley Mill Street (consent initiated) Harris and Sheldon Group Ltd H31 6 8 8 8 8 4 Scone Scone North A & J Stephen/ HA H29 10 25 30 30 40 40 40 40 40 40 314 Page 51 of 146
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5 SETTLEMENT SITE NAME SITE DEVELOPER LDP2 SITE REF Audit year 2018/19 Year 1 2019/20 Year 2 2020/21 Year 3 2021/22 Year 4 2022/23 Year 5 2023/24 Year 6 2024/25 Year 7 2025/26 Year 8 2026/27 Year 9 2027/28 Year 10 2028/29 Beyond year 10 2029+ Scone Glebe School LA Op22 30 35 Perth Almond Valley Stewart Milne/ Pilkington Trust/ HA MU73 30 40 50 75 75 75 75 75 75 75 257 Stanley Perth Road South Private/ HA H30 5 10 15 15 15 5 Perth Thimblerow Private/ HA Op2 5 25 25 7 Dunning Auchterarder Road A & J Stephen H20 12 12 12 12 4 Bridge of Earn Oudenarde, Clayton Road (detail for 150) Hillcrest HA H15 15 15 15 20 20 22 22 21 21 21 Bridge of Earn Oudenarde G S Brown/ Taylor Wimpey H15 30 40 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 985 Abernethy Newburgh Road North Private/ HA MU8 5 5 5 Scone Perth Airport Morris Leslie MU3 5 10 15 15 8 Perth Ruthvenfield (detail for 12 initiated) J Bryden H319 5 15 25 25 25 25 14 Burrelton Church Road, Woodside Private/ HA H17 5 5 5 6 Bridge of Earn Old Edinburgh Road/ Dunbarney Avenue King Group H14 5 10 10 12 12 12 12 12 Balbeggie St Martins Road Private/ HA H13 5 10 10 16 16 15 15 15 Perth Hillside Hospital, Dundee Road (demolished) Mattew P Henderson (administrators) MU337 5 15 15 15 11 Perth Perth Quarry Private/ HA MU171 10 25 25 25 25 25 9 Perth Perth West (outline on part of site) Private/ HA MU70 30 50 50 80 80 80 80 2615 Stanley Manse Crescent Private/ HA H32 5 10 10 10 10 10 10 Errol Old Village Hall Private/ HA H21 8 9 Perth Murray Royal Hospital Private/ HA MU336 10 25 25 25 25 8 Perth Newton Farm Private/ HA H71 30 30 31 Stanley Perth Road North Private/ HA H34 15 15 15 30 Perth Scott Street/ Charles Street Private H1 Page 52 of 146
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6 SETTLEMENT SITE NAME SITE DEVELOPER LDP2 SITE REF Audit year 2018/19 Year 1 2019/20 Year 2 2020/21 Year 3 2021/22 Year 4 2022/23 Year 5 2023/24 Year 6 2024/25 Year 7 2025/26 Year 8 2026/27 Year 9 2027/28 Year 10 2028/29 Beyond year 10 2029+ STRATHEARN HOUSING MARKET AREA Crieff Wester Tomaknock G S Brown/ HA H57 5 10 10 10 10 10 10 52 Comrie Cowden Road A & J Stephen H58 12 12 12 6 Crieff Broich Road Robert Simpson and Son/ HA MU7 10 20 20 20 25 25 25 25 354 Auchterarder North West Kirkton Private/ HA H228 10 20 19 19 19 19 Auchterarder Auchterarder Dev Framework 3b Private/ HA H342 10 23 23 23 23 22 Crieff Broich Road North Private/HA MU344 STRATHMORE AND GLENS HOUSING MARKET AREA Blairgowrie Glenalmond Road, Rattray Springfield Properties/ HA H63 29 38 28 18 18 15 15 16 16 16 Meigle Ardler Road Hadden Homes/ HA H68 7 7 7 8 Blairgowrie Blairgowrie South (further application received) Stewart Milne/ Petrie family H64 15 18 18 18 18 18 16 Alyth Albert Street and St Ninians Road Guild Homes/ HA H60 5 15 15 15 15 15 11 New Alyth New Alyth A & J Stephen/ HA H61 6 6 6 6 Blairgowrie Western Blairgowrie Westpark Partnership LLP MU5 20 20 20 20 30 30 30 30 29 Spittalfield Spittalfield Private/ HA MU6 5 5 5 5 Alyth Glenree Private/ HA H59 5 10 10 10 2 Meigle Forfar Road Private/ HA H69 5 10 20 20 20 7 Coupar Angus Larghan Private/ HA H65 10 10 10 15 15 14 14 14 Alyth Annfield Place Private/ HA H252 10 10 15 15 15 15 13 Blairgowrie Welton Road/ Eastern Expansion Private/ HA MU330 25 25 30 30 30 30 591 Blairgowrie Westfields of Rattray Private/HA H341 20 20 20 20 6 Source: Perth & Kinross Housing Land Audit 2018 Page 53 of 146
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7 Figure 2 Housing land programming by year Source: Perth & Kinross Housing Land Audit 2018 0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000 Year 1 2019/20 Year 2 2020/21 Year 3 2021/22 Year 4 2022/23 Year 5 2023/24 Year 6 2024/25 Year 7 2025/26 Year 8 2026/27 Year 9 2027/28 Year 10 2028/29 No. units LDP2 Housing Land Programming Page 54 of 146
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8 Delivery Programme February 2024 update – Housing Land Pipeline At the time of publishing the February 2024 Delivery Programme update the most recently published housing land audit would have been that from March 2023. Figure 3 sets out the completions which were delivered in each Housing Market Area over years 1-4 and the programming for the remainder of the 10 year period. KEY Completions since LDP2 adoption Programming for remainder of the 10 year period Figure 3 Update from 2023 Housing Land Audit SETTLEMENT SITE NAME SITE DEVELOPER LDP2 SITE REF Year 1 2019/20 Year 2 2020/21 Year 3 2021/22 Year 4 2022/23 Year 5 2023/24 Year 6 2024/25 Year 7 2025/26 Year 8 2026/27 Year 9 2027/28 Year 10 2028/29 Beyond year 10 2029+ GREATER DUNDEE HOUSING MARKET AREA Inchture Moncur Farm Road G S Brown/ HA H24 6 11 15 10 10 HIGHLAND PERTHSHIRE HOUSING MARKET AREA Ballinluig Buail Bhan 1 Alexander and Co Scotland Ltd H40 3 8 8 Pitlochry Middleton of Fonab A and J Stephen/ HA H38 5 10 10 10 50 Murthly Bridge Road A and J Stephen/ HA H45 9 3 Aberfeldy Borlick A and J Stephen/ LA H36 10 20 20 20 180 Pitlochry Robertson Crescent A and J Stephen/ HA H39 5 10 10 80 Kenmore Primary School East Private/ HA H42 5 28 KINROSS HOUSING MARKET AREA by Milnathort Ochil Hills Hospital Athron Hill Development Company Op19 13 11 11 Milnathort Pitdownie Springfield Properties/ HA H48 18 25 24 Milnathort Old Perth Road Stewart Milne H50 5 5 12 10 Page 55 of 146
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9 SETTLEMENT SITE NAME SITE DEVELOPER LDP2 SITE REF Year 1 2019/20 Year 2 2020/21 Year 3 2021/22 Year 4 2022/23 Year 5 2023/24 Year 6 2024/25 Year 7 2025/26 Year 8 2026/27 Year 9 2027/28 Year 10 2028/29 Beyond year 10 2029+ Scotlandwell Scotlandwell Private/ HA H54 2 10 10 10 Powmill Gartwhinzean 2 Kera Scotland Ltd H53 5 15 15 15 23 Balado Balado Messrs Lawrie and Sons/ Premier Properties H51 5 5 25 Milnathort Pace Hill Dundas Estates H49 4 22 37 14 Hattonburn Hattonburn Stewart Milne Homes H52 3 10 Blairingone Blairingone North Private/ HA MU74 Kinross Town Hall, 108-114 High Street Edinburgh MI Ltd Op24 9 GREATER PERTH HOUSING MARKET AREA Perth Berthapark 2 Miller Homes MU345 25 42 4 Perth Almond Valley (detail for 340) Stewart Milne/ Pilkington Trust/ HA MU73 5 25 70 70 70 70 940 Abernethy Newburgh Road North Hadden Homes/ LA MU8 7 25 6 Stanley Perth Road South Muir Homes/ HA H30 10 24 24 24 24 24 79 Scone Scone North (detail for 100) A and J Stephen/ HA H29 2 33 14 30 30 30 30 40 40 499 Perth Perth West, Auction Mart Barratt/HA H174 31 79 60 43 34 34 Perth Berthapark 1 (detail for PH1) Springfield Properties/ HA MU345 121 101 14 154 50 75 100 100 100 100 2005 Bridge of Earn Oudenarde, Clayton Road (detail for 150) Hillcrest Homes H15 5 15 15 15 20 122 Stanley Mill Street (consent for 33 initiated) Ogilvie Homes H31 6 8 8 8 8 5 Bridge of Earn Oudenarde 2 G S Brown H15 10 20 20 20 18 Bridge of Earn Oudenarde 1 (detail for 137) Taylor Wimpey H15 10 30 40 35 35 1062 Page 56 of 146
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10 SETTLEMENT SITE NAME SITE DEVELOPER LDP2 SITE REF Year 1 2019/20 Year 2 2020/21 Year 3 2021/22 Year 4 2022/23 Year 5 2023/24 Year 6 2024/25 Year 7 2025/26 Year 8 2026/27 Year 9 2027/28 Year 10 2028/29 Beyond year 10 2029+ Luncarty Luncarty South (further application received) A and J Stephen, I and H Brown/ HA MU27 20 20 20 20 20 660 Dunning Auchterarder Road A and J Stephen H20 20 30 18 Perth Murray Royal Hospital (detail for 58) Rivertree Residential/ HA MU336 8 20 20 10 70 Perth Thimblerow* Private/ Hillcrest Homes Op2 12 25 25 Stanley Manse Crescent Muir Homes/ HA H32 5 10 10 60 Scone Perth Airport (expiry extended) Morris Leslie MU3 5 10 15 35 Perth Gannochy Road 2 Gannochy Trust H3 22 26 Perth Perth Quarry Private/ HA MU171 10 20 145 Perth Hillside Hospital, Dundee Road (demolished) Matthew P Henderson (administrators) MU337 20 20 21 Perth Perth West Private/ HA MU70 30 50 3373 Perth Newton Farm Private/ HA H71 20 90 Perth Scott Street/ Charles Street Private H1 Balbeggie St Martins Road Private/ HA H13 85 Bridge of Earn Old Edinburgh Road/ Dunbarney Avenue King Group H14 104 Errol Old Village Hall Private/ HA H21 20 Perth Ruthvenfield Private/ HA H319 153 Stanley Station Road / Linn Road (PH1 detail for 35) Muir Homes H33 32 Stanley Perth Road North Muir Homes/ HA H34 95 Bridge of Earn Kintillo Road King Group/ Ogilvie Homes/ HA H72 12 50 18 Scone Glebe School LA Op22 46 19 Page 57 of 146
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11 SETTLEMENT SITE NAME SITE DEVELOPER LDP2 SITE REF Year 1 2019/20 Year 2 2020/21 Year 3 2021/22 Year 4 2022/23 Year 5 2023/24 Year 6 2024/25 Year 7 2025/26 Year 8 2026/27 Year 9 2027/28 Year 10 2028/29 Beyond year 10 2029+ STRATHEARN HOUSING MARKET AREA Crieff Oakbank Oakbank (Crieff) Ltd/ Private individuals H17 1 1 1 1 1 Crieff Wester Tomaknock G S Brown/ HA H57 6 15 15 15 15 15 15 6 Crieff Broich Road North L and S Homes and SC Crieff MU344 3 30 5 Crieff Broich Road (detail for 246) Ogilvie Homes/ HA MU7 11 66 45 30 25 20 20 20 402 Comrie Cowden Road A and J Stephen H58 12 12 12 16 Crieff Wester Tomaknock 2 D and J Brown H57 5 14 Auchterarder North West Kirkton Private/ HA H228 128 Auchterarder Auchterarder Dev Framework 3b Private/ HA H342 150 STRATHMORE HOUSING MARKET AREA Spittalfield Spittalfield (detail for 2) Private/ HA MU6 1 1 6 6 6 Blairgowrie Blairgowrie South 2 G S Brown H64 10 10 10 6 Alyth Albert Street and St Ninians Road (detail for 27) Guild Homes/ HA H60 10 10 10 15 15 15 30 Blairgowrie Glenalmond Road, Rattray Springfield Properties/ HA H63 67 15 15 50 24 24 13 Blairgowrie Blairgowrie South 1 Scotia Homes/ LA H64 26 30 22 Meigle Forfar Road Private/ HA H69 5 15 15 15 50 New Alyth New Alyth A and J Stephen/ HA H61 6 6 6 6 9 Blairgowrie Western Blairgowrie (detail for 103) Westpark Partnership LLP/First Endeavour LLP MU5 20 20 20 220 Alyth Annfield Place Private/ HA H252 5 107 Page 58 of 146
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12 SETTLEMENT SITE NAME SITE DEVELOPER LDP2 SITE REF Year 1 2019/20 Year 2 2020/21 Year 3 2021/22 Year 4 2022/23 Year 5 2023/24 Year 6 2024/25 Year 7 2025/26 Year 8 2026/27 Year 9 2027/28 Year 10 2028/29 Beyond year 10 2029+ Blairgowrie Westfields of Rattray Private/HA H341 104 Alyth Glenree Private/ HA H59 45 Coupar Angus Larghan Private/ HA H65 125 Meigle Ardler Road Hadden Homes/ HA H68 14 7 12 Blairgowrie Welton Road/ Eastern Expansion Private/ HA MU330 928 Source: Perth & Kinross Housing Land Audit 2023 *The Council has more recently agreed to develop PH20 on the Thimblerow site and this will be reflected in the next Delivery Programme and Housing Land Pipeline Figure 4 compares the programming at LDP2 adoption in 2019 (based on the 2018 housing land audit) with the completions and revised programming over the same period from the 2023 Audit. It should be noted that this only considers the sites allocated for housing in LDP2 and not those windfall sites which come forward for development unexpectedly. Generally it is expected that the contribution from windfall sites will increase the further it gets from the Plan adoption date. The other key point to note is that during the period 2018 to 2023 the market had to deal with the fall-out from Brexit and then the Covid-19 pandemic. This resulted in the programming of many sites being pushed back beyond the 10 year period. The 10 year pipeline compared against the supply beyond year 10 is set out in figure 5. Figure 4 Programming comparison Source: Perth & Kinross Housing Land Audit 2018 and 2023 0 200 400 600 800 1000 Year 1 2019/20 Year 2 2020/21 Year 3 2021/22 Year 4 2022/23 Year 5 2023/24 Year 6 2024/25 Year 7 2025/26 Year 8 2026/27 Year 9 2027/28 Year 10 2028/29 No. units Years 1-4: Progamming for 2018 Completions for 2023 LDP2 Housing Land Pipeline - Update Update from 2023 Housing Land Audit Plan adoption 2019 Page 59 of 146
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13 Figure 5 The 10 year pipeline compared against the supply beyond year 10 Source: Perth & Kinross Housing Land Audit 2018 and 2023 Feedback and future LDP2 Delivery Programmes As abovementioned, the requirement for delivery programmes to include the sequencing of, and timescales for, the delivery of housing on sites allocated by the LDP is relatively recent and as such any feedback on how the information has been presented in this addendum would be welcomed. Please send any comments or suggestions to: developmentplan@pkc.gov.uk The Local Development Planning Guidance is clear that the preparation of the delivery programme for an LDP should be considered at the outset of plan preparation and run alongside it. There are therefore inherent difficulties in trying to do this retrospectively for a Plan which was adopted more than five years ago. The next update of the LDP2 Delivery Programme is due early in 2026. This will include a further update on the housing land pipeline as well as any other information set out in the Local Development Planning Guidance which is possible to include at that time. 0 2000 4000 6000 8000 10000 12000 14000 Year 1 2019/20 Year 2 2020/21 Year 3 2021/22 Year 4 2022/23 Year 5 2023/24 Year 6 2024/25 Year 7 2025/26 Year 8 2026/27 Year 9 2027/28 Year 10 2028/29 Beyond year 10 2029+ Supply beyond year 10 Update from 2023 Housing Land Audit Plan adoption 2019 Page 60 of 146
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Our vision is a Perth and Kinross where everyone can live life well, free from poverty and inequality ___________________________________________________________________ Committee or Board: Economy and Infrastructure Committee Date of Meeting: 28 May 2025 Report Title: Perth and Kinross Tourism Strategy and Action Plan 2025 - 2030 Report Number: 25/129 Report Author: Suzanne Cumiskey, Economic Development Officer Organisational Lead: Serge Merone, Strategic Lead – Economy, Development and Planning ___________________________________________________________________ 1. Purpose 1.1 The purpose of this report is to seek Council endorsement of the Perth and Kinross Tourism Strategy and Action Plan 2025 - 2030. 1.2 Sections 1. Purpose 2. Recommendations 3. Background 4. Main Issues 5. Conclusions 6. Impact and Value Assessment 7. Appendices 2. Recommendations It is recommended that the Economy and Infrastructure Committee: 2.1 Endorse the draft Perth and Kinross Tourism Strategy and Action Plan 2025 – 2030 developed by Perthshire Tourism Partnership (PTP). 2.2 Request that officers bring back annual progress reports to this Committee for consideration. 6 Page 61 of 146
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3. Background Historic Information/Context 3.1 With a population of 151,000 residents and a geography spanning 2000sq miles Perth & Kinross consistently ranks among the UK’s top places to live and work and in 2024 was accredited as the ‘Most Welcoming Place on Earth’ at the Booking.com Traveller Review Awards. 3.2 Central to the destination is the River Tay which at 120 miles long is Scotland’s longest river and acts as a playground for outdoor enthusiasts for paddling, kayaking, canoeing and fishing. The River Tay Way, a new walking & cycling route running from Loch Tay to Perth City Centre offers walkers and cyclists an off-road route in spectacular surroundings. 3.3 Perthshire is named ‘Big Tree Country’ due to the great seed collector David Douglas who travelled the world in the 1800s finding new tree species to introduce to Scotland, including his namesake, the Douglas Fir which can be found in abundance at The Hermitage. Home to 28 of Scotland’s 282 Munros, the area is a first choice for Munro bagging aficionados and outdoor adventurers. 3.4 Perth was designated a UNESCO City of Craft and Folk Art in 2021 which embeds craft into sustainable development and policy making. In the last decade Perth & Kinross Council has invested £50m + in cultural and heritage infrastructure in Perth City Centre and £4.5m in funding for culture annually. Our creative places and spaces include Perth’s Creative Exchange, Perth Art Gallery, Perth Museum, Perth Theatre & Concert Hall, St Paul’s Church space, the City of Light Programme and our Vennels Project. The latest investment is Perth Museum, a brand new £26.5 million refurbishment of a beautiful historic building in Perth City Centre. Featuring a purpose-built interior designed to house the Stone of Destiny, which is the most powerful surviving symbol of Scotland’s royal history. In its first year Perth Museum has attracted 250,000 visitors. 3.5 Perthshire is home to two Michelin Star awarded destination restaurants, ‘Restaurant Andrew Fairlie’ at Gleneagles and ‘The Glenturret Lalique; and award-winning restaurants such as the Old Manse of Blair and Orangery Restaurant; and Ballintaggart Farm. The area has a strong whisky heritage and is home to Dewars Aberfeldy Distillery, Glenturret Distillery, Blair Atholl Distillery and Edradour Distillery. In 2022 there were 915 food and drink businesses with a reported turnover of £472 million. Perthshire also has strong diversification of farms with 71 agritourism businesses. 3.6 Perthshire Tourism Partnership was established in 2005 to bring together the tourism industry with public sector organisations to discuss strategic themes and policies relating to tourism in the region with the aim of growing the visitor economy. The partnership members include: • Blairgowrie and East Perthshire Tourism Association • Cairngorms Business Partnership Page 62 of 146
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• Cairngorms National Park Authority • Culture Perth & Kinross • Dunkeld and Birnam Tourism Association • Glenshee and Strathardle Tourism Association • Historic Environment Scotland • Kinross Partnership • Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park • National Trust for Scotland • Perth & Kinross Council • Perth & Kinross Countryside Trust • Perth & Kinross Heritage Trust • Perth Theatre and Concert Hall • Perth Traders Association • Perthshire Business Tourism Group • Perthshire Chamber of Commerce • Perthshire Regional Food Group • Perthshire Tourism Partnership • Pitlochry Partnership • Rannoch and Tummel Tourist Association • Scottish Agritourism • Visit Aberfeldy • VisitScotland 3.7 The partnerships work includes: • Delivery of the Perthshire Tourism Action Plan 2021-2025 • Organising industry B2B events, webinars and training • Facilitating industry connections • Facilitating business support and advice • Providing up-to-date information and minutes 4. Main Issues The Strategy and Action Plan 4.1 Perthshire Tourism Action Plan 2021 - 2025 was developed and published in 2021 following extensive consultation with the Tourism Leadership Group and wider industry. The plan was initially developed with a focus on tourism industry recovery following the pandemic and identified priorities and actions for all stakeholders (the tourism industry, tourism associations, public sector agencies, and the local authority). 4.2 The plan centred on sustainable and responsible growth of the sector, ensuring that it continued to make a significant contribution to the economy and vibrancy of the area, acting as a force for good. 4.3 In 2023 a mid-term review of the Perthshire Tourism Action Plan 2021 - 2025 was undertaken. In 2023 tourism monitoring figures demonstrated that the tourism sector contributed to: Page 63 of 146
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• 670 tourism businesses in the area with tourism/hospitality being the highest employer • 8200 full-time equivalent jobs are supported locally • 2.3 million tourism visits to Perth and Kinross in 2023 • 2.8 nights was the average length of stay • £703 million was generated directly and indirectly within the local economy through visitor and tourism business expenditure • £641 million was the total economic impact • Economic Impact +8.8% 2023 v 2022 • Visitor Numbers +15.4% 2023 v 2022 • Total Visitor Days and Nights +1.5% 2023 v 2022 4.4 In 2024, work began on the development of a refreshed plan for the area. It was agreed that a 5-year timeline would be used, which would align with the timeframe of the Perth and Kinross Economic Action Plan (2025-2030) and enable a medium-term strategic framework to be established. The framework builds on pillars under which actions have been developed, whilst still allowing for the potential launch and impact of a visitor levy scheme to be assessed. 4.5 The new tourism strategy and action plan draws on national, regional, and local strategies to shape and develop the Perth and Kinross Tourism Strategy & Action Plan 2025 – 2030 including: • Scotland Outlook 2030 • Scotland’s National Strategy for Economic Transformation 2022 - 2032 • Tay Cities Region Prospectus for Regional Growth 2025 - 2035 • Tay Cities Region Economic Regional Strategy 2019 - 2039 • Tay Cities Region Tourism Development Prospectus 2025 - 2035 • Perth and Kinross Economic Action Plan 2025 – 2030 4.6 Key themes within all the national, regional and local strategies are developing a stronger more resilient economy: maintaining a focus on reducing inequalities and transitioning to net zero Scotland by 2045. 4.7 The strategy is being developed with these principles as key considerations and against a backdrop of the newly introduced Visitor Levy legislation and with an ambition to attract both public and private sector investment. Strategic Framework 4.8 There are four pillars intended to guide the actions under the strategy: • Area Promotion and Destination Marketing • Investment and Infrastructure (Placemaking/Visitor Infrastructure/Services) • Market Development & Internationalisation • Industry Growth and Resilience Page 64 of 146
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4.9 Area Promotion and Destination Marketing Objective: Aim to drive up visitation to our area from identified audiences, increasing day visitors, as well as the length of stay and visitor spend.  4.10 Investment and Infrastructure Objective: Aim to attract inward investment to enhance the visitor experience in the destination, as well as manage the impact on our communities 4.11 Market Development and Internationalisation Objective: Aim to build on key assets, developing new tourism products and visitor experiences 4.12 Industry Growth and Resilience Objective. Aim to develop a sustainable visitor economy through supporting businesses to grow, increase levels of well-paid jobs and build their resilience in a challenging operating environment Monitoring and Impact 4.13 Perth and Kinross Council have been using STEAM data, produced by Global Tourism Solutions, and trend data is available for the past twelve years. 4.14 STEAM figures for 2023 show that there is recovery in visitor numbers and days and nights spent with a commensurate increase in economic impact. This strategy aims to ensure that recovery continues, and that the visitor economy grows, playing an important role in the future economy of Perth and Kinross. 4.15 The indicators below are what we will use for tourism performance monitoring and are derived from STEAM data: • Number of businesses • Total employment • Total number of visitors • Number of overnight visitors • Number of day visitors • Number of visitor days • Direct expenditure • Economic impact of sector 4.16 The Perth and Kinross Tourism Strategy and Action Plan 2025 - 2030 will be delivered by the PTP, supported by individual organisations and co-ordinated by Perth and Kinross Council. Delivery will be overseen by an industry leadership group, drawn from various parts of the sector. Meetings will be held quarterly to monitor progress. 4.17 A delivery report will be published on an annual basis and the group will review the action plan annually to ensure alignment to national, regional, and local strategies and progress against agreed actions. Page 65 of 146
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The Visitor Levy 4.18 The Visitor Levy Act gives local authorities in Scotland the power to introduce a levy on overnight accommodation based on a percentage of the cost. Local authorities have the power to determine the percentage rate set, the geographical area where it applies and any local exemptions. The authority can also specify a maximum number of nights to apply the levy and whether it applies to all or part(s) of its area. 4.19 Local authorities that want to introduce a visitor levy are only able to do so after they have consulted with local communities, businesses, and the wider tourism sector - through early engagement and a formal consultation. 4.20 In total these processes would take just over 2 years to conclude if the minimum timescales were applied. For the area, this means that the earliest date a scheme could come into effect would be late autumn 2027. The Council has commenced early-stage engagement on the potential of a levy, as agreed by this Committee on 5 February 2025 (Report ref. 25/28). 4.21 The potential of a levy is considered as part of this Tourism Strategy and Action Plan, as well as other potential sources of investment. 5. Conclusions 5.1 Tourism continues to be a key economic growth sector for Perth and Kinross. However, we also recognise the challenges and opportunities, and this refreshed Perth and Kinross Tourism Strategy and Action Plan 2025-2030 will outline our ambitions to increase the attractiveness of the destination in a competitive and changing market, in turn increasing the number of day visitors and overnight stays; increasing dwell time; overall visitor spends and job opportunities in our area. 6. Impact and Value Assessment Perth___Kinross_Tourism_Strategy_and_Action_Plan_2025-2030.pdf 7. Appendices 7.1 Appendix 1 - Perth & Kinross Tourism Strategy and Action Plan 2025-2030. Page 66 of 146
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Perth and Kinross TOURISM STRATEGY & ACTION PLAN 2025–2030 (DRAFT FOR CONSULTATION) 6 Page 67 of 146
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Contents Introduction 3 Background and Strategic Context 5 Area Performance Statistics 7 Understanding The Audience 8 Opportunities for Perth and Kinross 9 Strategic Framework Overview 11 Strategic Framework and Action Plan 12 2 Page 68 of 146
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3 Introduction The Perth and Kinross Tourism Strategy and Action Plan 2025 – 2030 has been shaped by a diverse, cross-section of the area’s tourism industry, and delivered on their behalf by Perthshire Tourism Partnership. Perthshire Tourism Partnership was established to bring together tourism associations, stakeholders and public sector organisations based in Perth & Kinross to discuss strategic themes relating to tourism in the region. The partnership is comprised of: Blairgowrie and East Perthshire Tourism Association Cairngorms Business Partnership Cairngorms National Park Authority Culture Perth & Kinross Dunkeld and Birnam Tourism Association Glenshee and Strathardle Tourism Association Historic Environment Scotland Kinross Partnership Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park National Trust for Scotland Perth & Kinross Council Perth & Kinross Countryside Trust Perth & Kinross Heritage Trust Perth Theatre and Concert Hall Perth Traders Association Perthshire Business Tourism Group Perthshire Chamber of Commerce Perthshire Regional Food Group Perthshire Tourism Partnership Pitlochry Partnership Rannoch and Tummell Tourist Association Scottish Agritourism Visit Aberfeldy Designed to be a working and flexible document, the plan sets out a vision for the next five years and outlines the partner commitments and areas of investment required to ensure its success. Strengthened by a detailed action plan, the strategy provides clear KPIs, and a delivery framework consisting of four key pillars. • Area promotion and destination marketing • Investment and infrastructure • Market development and internationalisation • Industry growth and resilience PERTHSHIRE TOURISM PARTNERSHIP Page 69 of 146
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4 About Perth and Kinross With a population of 151,000 residents and a geography spanning city, towns, and countryside, Perth and Kinross consistently ranks among the UK’s top places to live and work. It is renowned as a major events and festivals destination, with over 500 annual events. At its heart, the River Tay sets the scene for the area’s magnificent outdoor offering, which encompasses 28 Munros, 48 lochs, 16 rivers and 2000sq miles of glorious Scottish countryside. This profusion of natural assets has become the picture-perfect backdrop for a host of businesses and activities including paddleboarding, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, walking and hiking. Affectionately named ‘Big Tree Country’ due to the great seed collector David Douglas who travelled the world in the 1800s, the area also boasts spectacular off-road playgrounds for gravel and mountain biking enthusiasts, as well as the 2024 UCI Cycling World Championships Gran Fondo road cycling route. Perth was accredited as a UNESCO City of Craft and Folk Art in 2021, firmly embedding its commitment to culture into sustainable development and policy making. In the last decade Perth and Kinross Council has invested £50m+ in cultural and heritage infrastructure in Perth City Centre including the £27m refurbishment of the historic Perth Museum. The area boasts an international reputation as a food and drink destination. This has been influenced in no small way by its whisky heritage, Michelin Star restaurants, and multiple award-winning chefs and menus. Building on these strong foundations, Perthshire has also built a strong agritourism sector, with direct-to- consumer produce, farm shops, restaurants and accommodation. Page 70 of 146
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5 Background and Strategic Context The first Perthshire Tourism Action Plan (2021–2025) was developed and published in 2021 following extensive consultation with the Perthshire Tourism Leadership Group and the wider industry. The plan was developed with a focus on recovery following the pandemic and identified priorities and actions for all stakeholders. Following a mid-term review in 2023, it was agreed that from 2025 onward, a 5-year horizon would be used, to align with the Perth and Kinross Economic Action Plan 2025-2030. This would enable a long-term strategic framework and action plan to be established in line with national and local strategies (listed below), and in turn, ensure that visitor sector growth worked to support the goals and ambitions of the area and its residents. Using local and national strategies to inform and shape this 5-year plan, was crucial in ensuring the industry was aligned to current economic drivers, and national objectives. During this research process, several key themes emerged, particularly in relation to developing a sustainable economy, reducing inequalities, and delivering a net zero Scotland by 2045. With this in mind, this new strategy has been developed with responsible tourism at its core and with due consideration towards the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Act, which was passed in May 2024. Strategies: How they all fit together Tourism Strategies Economic Strategies LOCAL REGIONAL NATIONAL Scotland’s National Strategy for Economic Transformation 2022–2032 Scotland Outlook 2030 Tay Cities Regional Economic Strategy (2019-2039 Prospectus for Regional Growth (2024–2029) Tay Cities Region: Tourism Development Prospectus 2025–2035 (in development) Perth and Kinross Council Corporate Plan 2022–2028 Perth and Kinross Community Plan 2022–2032 Perth and Kinross Economic Action Plan 2025–2030 (in development) Perth and Kinross Tourism Strategy and Action Plan, 2025–2030 (This Document) Page 71 of 146
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6 Vision By 2030, tourism will play a greater role in Perth & Kinross by supporting an inclusive, international and connected visitor economy. Mission To work collaboratively to strengthen tourism in Perth & Kinross, ensuring year-round visits, increased stays, and a continued commitment to delivering quality visitor experiences for all. Strategic Objectives • Area promotion and destination marketing: Aim to drive up visitation to our area from identified audiences, increasing day visitors and overnight stays, as well as the length of stay and visitor spend • Investment and infrastructure: Aim to attract inward investment to enhance the visitor experience in the destination, as well as manage the impact on our communities • Market development and internationalisation: Aim to build on investment to date in key assets, developing new tourism products and visitor experiences • Industry growth and resilience: Aim to develop a sustainable visitor economy through supporting businesses to grow, increase levels of well-paid jobs and build their resilience in a challenging operating environment Page 72 of 146
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7 Area Performance +8.8% Increase in economic impact 2023 +15.4% Increase in visitor numbers 2023 +1.5% Increase in total visitor days and nights 2023 2.3m tourism visits to Perth and Kinross in 2023 5m visitor days and nights generated by visitors in 2023 2.8 nights was the average length of stay in the area 1.5m visits were made by visitors staying within the area, generating 1.2 million nights in local accommodation 685 tourism businesses were registered in Perthshire in 2024 £641m total economic impact Reference: STEAM 2023 Page 73 of 146
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8 Understanding the Audience Understanding who is visiting Perthshire, where they are visiting from, and what their reasons for visiting are, is pivotal to sustainable growth. There are two aspects to understanding our visitors, through the results of Scotland’s Visitor Survey and through analysing Visitor Trends. VisitScotland commissioned Progressive Partnership to clarify and enhance the overall understanding of visitor attitudes and behaviours. The survey explored all aspects of the overnight visitor experience to Scotland, providing valuable insights into the sector. It was restricted to leisure only. Perthshire as a whole: • 68% of overnight visitors to Perthshire were domestic. • 32% of overnight stays in Perthshire were international. • 77% of Scotland visitors who stayed overnight in Perthshire were repeat visitors. Perth City Centre only: • 57% of overnight visitors to Perth were domestic. • 43% of overnight stays in Perth were international. • 67% of Scotland visitors who stayed overnight in Perth were repeat visitors. Notably most visitors to Perthshire (79%) were older independents or of retirement age. 13% were families. Overnight tourism statistics for 2023 show that domestic (GB) markets made up circa 85% of all visits and 79% of expenditure. International markets made up almost 15% of visits and 21% of expenditure. Within the domestic market, Scotland’s residents made up 60% of visitors, with the key regions outside of Scotland being London (10% of trips) and the Northwest (9%). Top international markets for Perthshire in 2023 were the USA (27%), Netherlands (12%), Spain (10%), France (8%), Italy and Australia (7% each). More information Page 74 of 146
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9 Opportunities for the Visitor Economy in Perth and Kinross Consumer trends are key to informing investment decisions for sustainable growth. The VisitScotland Insights Team have produced tourism trend papers for the last decade. They consolidated their work on tourism trends and highlighted trends from the past that remain relevant today in the document ‘A Decade of Consumer Trends’, published in February 2024. Transformational Tourism This is a shift amongst consumers to travel with a sense of purpose and for trips to be meaningful. Visitors want to maximise their time in a destination, staying longer, and giving something back to the destination they are visiting through e.g. voluntourism, learning of new skills or achievements. Examples include: • Voluntourism (Waterway clear ups/litter Picks) • New skills/skill sharing • Craftsmanship. Learning traditional crafts on holiday • Achievements (Munro bagging or sports challenges) Wellness This is a trend amongst consumers to focus on self-care, nurturing their physical/mental wellbeing. Tourism has the potential to create a mental space where people can relax and focus inward whether that is through reconnecting with nature, agritourism experiences, sleep tourism experiences, phone- free areas, forest bathing or wild swimming. Examples include: • Wild swimming • Forest bathing • Silent retreats/meditation & mindfulness • Water therapy (blue spaces) • Sleep tourism experiences • Sleep technology • Digital tree experiences Conscious Traveller This is a trend towards considering the impact of travel on the environment and considering opportunities to offset the carbon footprint of travel. Part of this has been a rise in train travel above taking short haul flights, or a mix of flights and train travel with new train routes being developed or re- instated. This is referred to as locomotional travel. Examples include: • Off grid accommodation and longer stays • Localism/shop local • Increased train travel / train experiences • Eco-drive Page 75 of 146
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10 Distinctive Scotland This is a trend towards drawing on our rich history and heritage to portray a unique and distinctive visitor experience in Scotland. The focus on the past has seen a rise in storytelling to create dark tourism experiences, reading tourism referred to as ‘novolesiure’ and visits to specific film locations. Examples include: • Dark tourism, drawing on our dark history and heritage • Screen tourism and visiting film locations • Reading tourism and visiting locations in literature • Storytelling • Nostalgia, revisiting childhood places, passing on positive memories Changing Traveller This trend has emerged following the increase in flexible working patterns post pandemic. The line between business and pleasure has become increasingly blurred and expectations are such that accommodation providers are looking to design their offering to facilitate longer term stays, and to provide seamless connections between work and leisure Examples include: • Solo travel • Workcations, combining leisure & business Page 76 of 146
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11 Governance, Delivery & Reporting The Perth and Kinross Tourism Strategy & Action Plan 2025–2035 will be delivered by Perthshire Tourism Partnership and partners. Meetings will be held quarterly to monitor progress. The group will review the action plan annually to ensure alignment to national and local strategies and a delivery report will be published thereafter with an update on progress provided to the Perth and Kinross Economy and Infrastructure Committee. While it is recognised that time and resources are already stretched, without coordination the combined benefits of a partnership approach may struggle to be realised. The group will therefore continue to consider options to support tourism leaders, and to realise the full potential of the local tourism associations (LTAs), the collaborative groups, and their members. Action Plan Area Promotion and Destination Marketing • No of day visitors • No of overnight visitors • Occupancy Levels • Economic impact • Visitors spend. Investment and Infrastructure • Increase levels of investment Market Development and Internationalisation • No of international visitors • Visitors spend by international markets. Industry Growth and Resilience • KPI Total Employment • Rate of start ups • Business closures Page 77 of 146
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12 Pillar 1: Area Promotion and Destination Marketing Objective: Aim to drive up visitation to our area from identified audiences, increasing day visitors and overnight stays, as well as the length of stay and visitor spend ACTION LEAD PARTNER SUPPORT Options appraisal for a delivery mechanism to deliver on a year-round Destination Marketing Strategy for leisure & business tourism, considering costed options for delivery Perth and Kinross Council Develop a Destination Marketing Strategy to outline tactics and channels to improve communication with identified audiences, Perth and Kinross Council VisitScotland promoting new tourism products and visitor experiences Review and refresh Perth and Kinross visitor audience profiles in line with national profiling data. Consider conducting a Perth and Kinross Council VisitScotland Perthshire-wide visitor survey and consumer sentiment analysis Continue to support the development of Perthshire Box Office (PBO) which offers a centralised online, telephone and in-person Perth and Kinross Council Perth Theatre & Concert ticketing service for the culture, heritage, and tourism sectors in Perth and Kinross, acting as a one-stop shop for all forms of event Hall booking Use awards, media credits and accreditations to acknowledge Perth and Kinross’s aim to be a ‘leading sustainable tourism Perth and Kinross Council VisitScotland destination’ Engage with businesses to strengthen the online discoverability of Perth and Kinross by increasing the digital capabilities of Perth and Kinross Council VisitScotland / Business businesses. Engage with Online Travel Agents (OTAs) platforms to increase the number of businesses listed and distributing Gateway products/experiences online Engage with travel media, travel journalists, writers and influencers to amplify the profile of Perth and Kinross, building on the Perth and Kinross Council VisitScotland newly created Perth City Narrative Develop and deliver on an ‘International Travel Trade Sales Action Plan’ focused on intermediary marketing (to include attendance Tay Cities Regional Tourism VisitScotland; VisitBritain; at trade events, delivery of familiarisation trips, sales assets and new content creation) Development Group UK Inbound; ETOA; Coach Tourism Association Continue regional collaboration through Tay Cities Regional Tourism Development Group comprised of Angus Council, Dundee Tay Cities Regional Tourism Council, Fife Council, Perth and Kinross Council and VisitScotland working together to promote Tay Country using the regional Development Group connector themes of food & drink, culture & creative and outdoor adventures Develop a model for the continued attraction of business events (meetings, incentives, conferences and events – MICE) into the Perthshire Business VisitScotland Business area. Explore options such as the existing model, or a convention bureau-lite. Work with VisitScotland’s Business Events Team to Tourism Group (Meetings Events Team showcase MICE-ready venues to buyers and to develop local ambassadors who can attract MICE events Perthshire) Develop a strategic approach to Perth and Kinross’s event portfolio (major, civic and community), to allow for the sustainability of Perth and Kinross Council VisitScotland existing events (and maximising their local impact), identifying a pipeline of major events which Perthshire can bid for Maximise the opportunities of the UNESCO City of Craft & Folk Art designation and UNESCO Creative Cities Network to develop and Culture PK Perth and Kinross Council promote craft experiences in the destination Explore the possibility of a Visitor Levy Scheme for Perth and Kinross Perth and Kinross Council Page 78 of 146
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13 Pillar 2: Investment and Infrastructure Objective: Aim to attract inward investment to enhance the visitor experience in the destination, as well as manage the impact on our communities ACTION LEAD PARTNER SUPPORT Support delivery partners with new rural and countryside access product developments, such as Perth and Kinross Countryside Trust with development of infrastructure on the River Tay Way long-distance walking route, Cateran Trail, Snow Roads and Drummond Hill (welfare facilities/signage and wayfinding, and interactive/educational interpretation) Perth and Kinross Council Perth and Kinross Countryside Trust Deliver on the Strategic Tourism Infrastructure Development Plan which evidenced the need for inclusive and accessible visitor infrastructure investment in Integrated Parking Development Solutions Perth and Kinross Council Public, Private and Third Sector Partners Develop a series of designated investment areas in town centres in rural areas where there is an opportunity for regeneration (following similar model of Perth City Centre Development & Design Framework) Perth and Kinross Council Public, Private and Third Sector Partners Build on existing best practice models such as the River Tay Way Hub to develop a network of hubs which co-locate toilets / accessible toilets / changing places toilet / showers / changing rooms / bike shelters / bike maintenance points Perth and Kinross Council Perth and Kinross Countryside Trust / Various Delivery Partners Develop a strategic waste disposal network up the A9 corridor for campervans/motorhomes in the area utilizing public/private sector assets Perth and Kinross Council PKC Waste Services Team Consider visitor management through a multi-agency approach at ‘hotspot’ areas and develop tactics to encourage dispersal of visitors to lesser-known areas where there is capacity Perth and Kinross Council PKC Visitor Management Team / Economic Development Work with partners delivering active travel routes to improve active travel provision for visitors Perth and Kinross Countryside Trust PKC Transport Planning (Mobility Strategy) Explore on-demand transport services to start of key walks within Perth and Kinross to allow access to countryside without a Perth and Kinross PKC Transport Planning car Countryside Trust (Mobility Strategy) Support delivery partners such as Scottish Cycling with development of infrastructure for cyclists such as secure bike parking facilities and route development building on the UCI Gran Fondo legacy Scottish Cycling PKC Economic Development Team Explore the possibility of a Visitor Levy Scheme for Perth and Kinross Perth and Kinross Council Page 79 of 146
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14 Pillar 2: Investment and Infrastructure Objective: Aim to attract inward investment to enhance the visitor experience in the destination, as well as manage the impact on our communities ACTION LEAD PARTNER SUPPORT Capital investment programme to develop a series of designated investment areas in the City Centre where there is potential to effect change, underpinned by a series of streetscape enhancements and property improvements. This includes works within the Cultural Quarter, Mills Quarter and directly within the City Centre including developments to the vennels and lade Perth and Kinross Council Enhance operational services within the urban areas, maintaining and enhancing cultural and heritage assets. This aims to cover services such as enhanced safety measures, enhanced cleansing, graffiti removal, lighting in vennels, and measures towards environmental sustainability Perth and Kinross Council Explore the possibility of a Visitor Levy Scheme for Perth and Kinross Perth and Kinross Council Page 80 of 146
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15 Pillar 3: Market Development Objective: Aim to build on investment to date in key assets, developing new tourism products and visitor experiences ACTION LEAD PARTNER SUPPORT Support and encourage collaboration and packaging of our tourism offer through closer working between businesses in food & drink; culture & creative; and outdoor adventure sub-sectors Perth and Kinross Council Perthshire Tourism Partnership Use the Perth and Kinross event portfolio as a catalyst for market development including supplier opportunities and new visitor experiences at events Perth and Kinross Council Develop and deliver on an international travel trade sales action plan (to include attendance at trade events, delivery of FAM trips, Perth and Kinross Tay Cities Regional sales assets and new content creation) Council Tourism Development Group Promote outdoor providers and guides who can offer reponsible specialist tours away from main tourist hotspots Perth and Kinross Council VisitScotland Develop outdoor assets such as long distance walking and cycling trails eg the River Tay Way, Cateran Trail, and Perthshire Gravel Perth and Kinross Highland Perthshire Trails. Work with partners to develop and sustain trails. Consideration to routes for adaptive cycling Countryside Trust Cycling; Tayside Trails Association; Perth and Kinross Countryside Trust Develop outdoor assets for our waterways, such as access for watersports and clean waterways projects Paddle Scotland Develop bookable food & drink experiences through product development workshops, drawing on current tourism trends Regional Food Group (Great Perthshire) Develop Perth and Kinross-wide food & drink itineraries or online guides for towns to promote foodie visitor experiences to consumers Regional Food Group (Great Perthshire) Develop products for niche tour operators for cultural, craft, heritage, design, architecture, and conservation experiences e.g. Jacobites Tour, Mythology Tour, Cultural Tour, Royal Connection Tour. This is with the aim of encouraging and increasing international markets Perth and Kinross Council Culture PK Leveraging the UNESCO City of Craft and Folk Art designation, develop cultural/craft/creative tourism products and inclusive visitor experiences which can contribute further to attracting identified audiences Perth and Kinross Council UNESCO; VisitScotland Explore and activate partnerships/opportunities with national arthouses/brands Tate, Jupiter Artland, and V&A Perth and Kinross Council Culture PK Explore and activate partnerships with national agencies Creative Scotland, Museums & Galleries Scotland, and Traditional Arts & Culture Scotland Perth and Kinross Council Culture PK Explore and create a programme of major cultural/craft/creative events the City can bid to host: UK City of Culture; Turner Prize; Museums + Heritage Awards; Art Fund; immersive art experiences; and site-specific theatre Perth and Kinross Council Culture PK Explore the possibility of a Visitor Levy Scheme for Perth and Kinross Perth and Kinross Council Page 81 of 146
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16 Pillar 4: Industry Growth and Resilience Objective: Aim to develop a sustainable visitor economy through supporting businesses to grow, increase levels of well paid jobs and build their resilience in a challenging operating environment ACTION LEAD PARTNER SUPPORT Develop and deliver sector-specific business support programmes which aim to enhance business resilience and performance Perth and Kinross Council Business Gateway / (new product development, digital marketing, sustainability and inclusivity) GrowBiz / Perth and Kinross Business Partnership Support businesses with solutions to address issues specific to the tourism and hospitality sector e.g. limited transport in rural areas affecting recruitment, lack of staff accommodation, shortage of available staff, and impacts of the domestic downturn due to the cost-of-living crisis Perth and Kinross Council Business Gateway / GrowBiz / Perth and Kinross Business Partnership Work with business support organisations/agencies to coordinate activities, minimising duplication of provision and achieving reach to maximise participation Perth and Kinross Council Business Gateway / GrowBiz / Perth and Kinross Business Partnership Create opportunities and platforms for peer-to-peer support for businesses who seek to influence change and shape the future of tourism in Perth and Kinross, sharing ideas, best practice and knowledge Perth and Kinross Council Business Gateway / GrowBiz / Perth and Kinross Business Partnership Support businesses impacted by domestic downturn with ways to sustain businesses year-round Perth and Kinross Council VisitScotland Support communities with delivery of the tourism-related actions in their Local Action Groups & Community Action Plans (CAPs) Perth and Kinross Council PKC Funding Team / CLLD Support volunteering/voluntourism. E.g. support Perth and Kinross Countryside Trust with educational events where PKCT deliver training for staff and volunteers interested in countryside management / becoming Rangers Perth and Kinross Council Explore the possibility of a Visitor Levy Scheme for Perth and Kinross Perth and Kinross Council Page 82 of 146
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Our vision is a Perth and Kinross where everyone can live life well, free from poverty and inequality ___________________________________________________________________ Committee or Board: Economy and Infrastructure Committee Date of Meeting: 28 May 2025 Report Title: Review of Perth Harbour operations to support ‘Harbour Quarter’ and Inner River Tay developments Report Number: 25/130 Report Author: Alan Dobson, Economic Development Officer Organisational Lead: Serge Merone, Strategic Lead – Economy, Development and Planning ___________________________________________________________________ 1. Purpose 1.1 The purpose of this report is to provide Members with an update on the review of Perth Harbour operations to support the delivery of the ‘Harbour Quarter’ promoted as part of the Perth City Development and Design Framework and wider Inner River Tay developments for leisure, tourism and nature. 1.2 Sections 1. Purpose 2. Recommendations 3. Background/Main Issues 4. Impact and Value Assessment 5. Appendices 2. Recommendations It is recommended that the Committee: 2.1 Agree to proceed with the option of a Harbour Revision Order (HRO) retaining Statutory Harbour Authority and health and safety obligations excluding traffic for commercial vessels over 24 meters and ceasing Competent Harbour Authority duties in line with Transport Scotland (TS) suggestions. 2.2 Ask the Strategic Lead – Economy, Development and Planning to report to the Finance and Resources Committee any financial implications of the review of Perth Harbour operations. 7 Page 85 of 146
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2.3 Acknowledge the significant contributions made by the Harbour Board and its dedicated members. Their efforts have been invaluable. However, given the current circumstances, it is proposed that the Board is no longer necessary and should be discontinued. 3. Background/Main Issues 3.1 Context 3.1.1 Following the Council decision on 8th February 2023 (Report No. 23/42) to close the Harbour to commercial traffic and pursue regeneration, officers have been working with Transport Scotland (TS) to progress a Harbour Closure Order for Perth Harbour. The Harbour Closure Order seeks to relinquish Council’s obligations as Statutory Harbour Authority (SHA) and duties as Competent Harbour Authority (CHA). 3.1.2 On 4 September 2024, the Council (Report No. 24/241) approved the draft City Centre Development & Design Framework for consultation and engagement with the public and stakeholders and asked the Strategic Lead – Economy, Development & Planning to bring back a revised version of the Framework, incorporating suggested changes, for further consideration, along with a delivery programme (Report ref 24/241). It is planned to submit a report to the Council’s meeting on 10 September 2025. The Framework promotes some large scale, potentially longer term, projects spread over several development quarters including the Harbour Quarter. 3.1.3 The Framework envisages a reimagination of the Harbour requiring some long-term commercial leases to be bought out to create space for leisure- based uses such as outdoor tourism-led and water-based activities, micro & small businesses, and community facilities. A new bridge would connect the Harbour to Moncrieffe Island and an opportunity for people to engage with nature, to connect with greenspaces and to use active travel to travel to and from the city centre. 3.1.4 The Harbour Quarter is located within the Inner Tay area and will play an important future role in supporting the existing Inner Tay Masterplan 2012- 2022 (currently under review by the Tay and Earn Trust and other stakeholders). It is a vision strategy for the Tay area which promoted several completed and ongoing projects under the themes of: Access and Infrastructure, Leisure and Sport, Environmental and Cultural Heritage, and Biodiversity. In addition, the Tay Adventures programme is included in the Tay Cities Deal with several projects progressing with the Tay and Earn Trust to deliver a rejuvenation of river assets within the Tay as a water-based leisure destination. 3.1.5 To support the delivery of the above vision, the first step was to cease Council’s involvement and obligations to manage the harbour as a commercial port. Page 86 of 146
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3.2 Review of Perth Harbour operations 3.2.1 In February 2023, in addition to closure, the Council also agreed to market Perth Harbour as a long-term lease opportunity for another operator. This process concluded in September 2023, and although the Council agreed to accept one submitted bid, the bidder subsequently withdrew from the process. 3.2.2 In pursuing the closure of the Harbour, a prescribed Harbour Order process must be followed to ensure legal robustness. The Harbour Order process is outlined in the guidance published by TS on 5 February 2016 Guidance 05.02.2016 (transport.gov.scot). Appendix 1 summarises this guidance and process, which was also detailed in the supporting documents submitted alongside the February 2023 report to Council about the future of the Harbour operations. 3.2.3 A full timeline of discussions with TS since February 2023 is provided in Appendix 2. Following prompts from elected members and the Strategic Lead (Economy, Development & Planning) about the slow progress by TS on the Harbour Closure Order process, a response was received from TS in September 2024 indicating the complexity of the Harbour Order process and the need to avoid legal challenges. TS indicated they were at the final stages of the pre-consultation stage for the proposed Closure Order and would initiate the formal 42-day consultation period soon. 3.2.4 In October 2024, TS requested further information for Ministers/officials and stakeholders to fully consider the merits of a Closure application. A meeting was held on 6 November 2024 with TS Head of Ports and TS Head of Maritime Policy, along with Council and legal advisers. TS highlighted concerns regarding the obligations being relinquished and bylaw powers to be retained. The Council agreed to provide the additional information requested and stressed the need to reach a prompt conclusion. 3.2.5 In early February 2025, TS hosted a session outlining their concerns around safety and suggested a Harbour Revision Order as a more straightforward method, alleviating several concerns, particularly regarding health and safety risks. 3.2.6 During this process and despite having virtually no commercial traffic, the Council must continue commercial operations and maintain compliance with legislation and guidance. In the year 2024/25, only one vessel docked in April 2024 and one in November 2024. The Council had also to support the main commercial user to progress the new Border Control Point designation for import of Products from Animal Origin (e.g. fishmeal) and submission of an application for a dredging licence. Costs were incurred by the main commercial user of the Harbour. 3.2.7 Following the February 2023 Council’s decision, the 2023-24 budget allocated to the Harbour was reduced from £170K to £13K targeting a saving of £157K. However, the Council continued to incur costs to remain open and compliant creating a budget pressure. An actual net expenditure of £208K was reported as of 31 March 2024. The projected net expenditure as of 31 March 2025 is estimated at around £100K, depending on potential income from vessels. This Page 87 of 146
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expenditure includes the legal fees due to ongoing Order proceedings with respect to the closure. Overall, a saving of £57K has been achieved from the original target savings of £157K. Through a review of needs and in line with the Council decision, the Council also agreed to the sale the Fair Maid tugboat which raised £500K in 2023-24. 3.3 Proposals 3.3.1 At the Finance & Resources Committee meeting on 5 February 2025, the Strategy Lead (Economy, Development & Planning) suggested exploring the option of a Harbour Revision Order rather than a Harbour Closure Order in line with TS suggestions. as the HRO process is likely to be simpler and more manageable. 3.3.2 This option will still implement the February 2023 Council’s decision to close the harbour to commercial traffic and to focus on leisure activities, supporting the delivery of the ‘Harbour quarter’ as promoted in the City Centre Development and Design Framework. 3.3.3 Under this option, the Order would remove the Council’s Competent Harbour Authority (CHA) duties with the continuation of its Statutory Harbour Authority (SHA) and related Health and Safety obligations. The Council has sought its own legal advice on the matter, detailed in Appendix 3. Legal advice confirmed this would be an approach with some pros and cons. 3.3.4 The SHA obligations would reduce in tandem with the reduction of harbour operations due to the cessation of traffic of commercial vessels over 24 metres. This option would retain powers by the Council as SHA. 3.3.5 Whilst the most effective way to reduce obligations would be to advance the closure order, which would relieve the Council of more responsibilities. Our legal advisers have pointed out another risk: alongside the full closure order, PKC would need to initiate a separate legal process to amend the relevant bylaws, which would also require ministerial approval. 3.3.6 As the landowner, the Council would need to implement processes to address post-closure activities. Maintaining the SHA would not significantly burden the Council compared to implementing safety protocols for closure. 3.3.7 TS suggests proceeding with the Harbour Revision Order (HRO) rather than the Closure Order. The HRO process is likely to be simpler and more manageable for us but also facilitates future leisure activities and allows the Council to retain the necessary powers at the Harbour. This process is still subject to objections. This process could still take 6-18 months to complete depending on the results of the consultation. 3.3.8 The Committee is asked to agree to proceed with the option of a Harbour Revision Order retaining Statutory Harbour Authority and health and safety obligations excluding traffic for commercial vessels over 24 meters and ceasing Competent Harbour Authority duties in line with TS suggestions. Page 88 of 146
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3.3.9 In preparation for the public consultation, the Council has met and will continue to meet with key stakeholders to explain plans and address possible objections. These stakeholders include The Northern Lighthouse, NatureScot, Forth Ports (Dundee), Crown Estates, Ineos, Shell (pipeline owners), Amey, River Leisure Users and main commercial harbour user. 3.4 Responsibilities and Costs post Harbour Revision Order 3.4.1 The Council would remain a Statutory Harbour Authority for Perth Harbour with a Harbourmaster who could use its powers of directions and of control to facilitate future leisure activities and the delivery of the ‘Harbour Quarter’ as promoted in the City Centre Development and Design Framework. The overall risks would reduce due to the cessation of large commercial traffic. 3.4.2 Duties associated with being a Competent Harbour Authority including pilotage would cease. Responsibilities associated with dredging, equipment maintenance (e.g. Aids to Navigation), and general SHA burdens, would diminish or cease. 3.4.3 Commercial properties related to large commercial traffic could find new uses including business and community uses or land could be released for new connections to Moncrieffe Island supporting the development of the ‘Harbour Quarter’. Stronger or new synergies could be developed between Perth Harbour basin and Willow Gates and along the Inner Tay due to the cessation of large commercial traffic. 3.4.4 However, the Council would continue to incur costs. The future total budget is estimated at £65K. This would include the already budgeted £13K and an additional £52K. These costs are detailed below: - Rent and Rates: Covered by the current budget of £13K, likely to remain the same. A review could reduce them. - Designated Person (DP): Required by the UK Port Marine Safety Code (PMSC) to provide independent assurance of marine safety management. The Council will need a DP, but a review of scope and costs would be initiated to keep costs to a minimum. - Harbourmaster & Operations: Includes a qualified Harbourmaster to ensure compliance with the Port Marine Safety Code, relevant insurances, and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) servicing. The role and costs would be reviewed considering reduced responsibilities. The role could also include wider engagement activities to support leisure use possibly in partnership with other river users or organisations. - Asset Maintenance: Maintenance and phased decommission of Aids to Navigation, Safety Equipment, and assets like fencing. - Oil Spill Cover: Contract for oil spill response. Cover and costs would be maintained but reviewed considering reduced risks. Page 89 of 146
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- PPE: Replacement and repair of personal protective equipment. - Website: Maintenance for port, harbour, and river information as the new model is developed. 3.4.5 The estimated budget pressure at approximately £52K per annum would mean that the Council would still have achieved a budget saving of around £100K from its original 2023-24 budget saving target of £157K. This ongoing estimated budget pressure would need to be reported and considered by the Finance and Resources Committee. Whilst difficult to get a replica market comparison, a non-commercial shipping conservancy contract for the River Dee totals £600k over four years, although this included a lighthouse. 3.4.6 The current Council’s Scheme of Administration states that the Economy and Infrastructure Committee is to exercise the strategic and policy functions of the Council in relation to harbours, piers, boatslips and jetties in terms of Section 154 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 and all relevant subordinate legislation, including the section of the River Tay over which the Council is Navigation Authority. The Scheme also states that the role of the Strategic Lead – Economy, Development and Planning is to exercise the functions of the Council in terms of Section 154 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 and all relevant subordinate legislation in relation to Perth Harbour. This should be maintained but may have to be reviewed post Harbour Revision Order. 3.4.7 A Harbour Board was set up following the approval of the first Harbour Business Plan by the Council on 18 May 2016 (Report no 16/222 refers). The Harbour Board was not set-up as a sub-committee within the Scheme of Administration, but as an advisory Board with an Officer acting as the Harbour Duty Holder. With the approval of the second Business Plan in 2021, it was noted that, since the first business plan and over time, the Board’s role has evolved. As such, the Board has taken on more responsibilities and acted more as the Harbour Duty Holder, providing strategic direction, public representation and ensuring compliance with the Port Marine Safety Code (PSMC) (Report No 21/150 refers). The Harbour Board last meeting was in November 2023 and has not met since and the Harbour Duty Role has been provided in line with the Scheme of Administration. 3.4.8 Throughout these years, the Harbour Board and its dedicated members have been pivotal in tackling the various challenges faced by the Harbour. Each successive chair and member approached their roles with unwavering passion and commitment, making a significant impact. Their efforts have truly made a difference. 3.4.9 The Committee is asked to acknowledge the significant contributions made by the Harbour Board and its dedicated members. Their efforts have been invaluable. However, given the current circumstances, it is proposed that the Board is no longer necessary and should be discontinued. Page 90 of 146
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4. Impact and Value Assessment Review_of_Perth_Harbour_Operations_to_support_Harbour_Quarter_and_In ner_River_Tay_Dev.pdf 5. Appendices 5.1 Appendix 1 – Summary of guidance and process of a prescribed Harbour Order 5.2 Appendix 2 – Timeline of Activity 5.3 Appendix 3 – Harbour Legal Advice Update Page 91 of 146
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APPENDIX 1 What is a harbour closure order? This does not mean that a harbour will physically close or cease to exist, but it does mean that a harbour authority would be relieved of its statutory duties and will no longer be classed as a statutory harbour authority (SHA). It may mean that the way people use the harbour area has to change. Why would a statutory harbour authority apply for an Order? A SHA may wish to be relieved of its statutory functions, where the harbour is no longer viable, commercially or otherwise, because of: - a change in the local economic area; - physical restrictions in terms of the size of ships that can access its facilities; - a drop in the number of vessels using the area; - not being able to compete with other local ports; - a change in the type of vessels using the area. If a harbour is not viable then the harbour authority may not be able to fulfil the duties or meet the costs imposed on it by its statutory functions. This may cause dis- benefits to the SHA and those using or considering using the harbour. What should a statutory harbour authority consider before applying for a closure order? There are three kinds of duties a harbour authority has: statutory duties, imposed either in the local legislation for that authority or in general legislation; general common-law duties; and fiduciary duties. The order will only remove the statutory duties; the other two kinds of duties may still exist for the SHA. If the former SHA remains the owner of the infrastructure they will retain the responsibilities associated with ownership. The first step for the harbour authority is to ensure that it is aware of its local duties and the powers, policies, systems and procedures that they have in place. This is to ensure that nothing is removed unintentionally. The SHA should review the powers in its local legislation including those incorporated from other enactments. These may include powers to make byelaws or give directions either general or special and to manage and maintain the harbour. Some of the powers may derive directly from the Harbours Act 1964. If a SHA, taking into account the above, is considering giving up its statutory functions, which includes its enforcement powers then it is recommended that it consult informally with users and anyone with an interest in the harbour. An SHA considering relinquishing its powers should also bear in mind that the Porth Marine Safety Code also applies to non-statutory harbours. 7 Page 93 of 146
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A SHA will need to state who may take over their role in various matters for example: - Lighting and buoying responsibilities - under Part VIII of the Merchant Shipping Act 1995 (MSA95) each SHA is the local lighthouse authority for its area (section 193, as amended) and under section 198 of that Act a local lighthouse authority may be directed by the general lighthouse authority (the Northern Lighthouse Board in Scotland) to lay down buoys, or alter lighthouses, buoys and beacons in its area. The future responsibility for any lights or buoys should be discussed with the NLB. - Oil pollution - section 137(2)(d) of the MSA95 enables the Secretary of State to give direction to a SHA as respects ships or cargoes where an accident has occurred in a harbour. - Wrecks – section 252 of MSA95 provides a power where a vessel is sunk, stranded or abandoned in or near to the approaches of a harbour so that it is, or is likely to become, a danger to navigation to take possession or, raise, remove or destroy the vessel, to light and buoy it until raised or destroyed and to sell and reimburse the authority from the proceeds of sale. - Pilotage - A Competent Harbour Authority (CHA) is a statutory harbour authority (SHA) with duties to assess the need for pilotage and powers to provide the appropriate pilotage services and impose pilotage directions as necessary to secure the safety of ships navigating in their waters. A CHA for an area where pilotage is no longer considered necessary may wish to be relieved of the functions. The removal of pilotage functions from harbour authorities would relieve them of their powers and duties relating to pilotage under the Pilotage Act 1987 (“the 1987 Act”). A harbour authority from which such functions were removed would cease to be a CHA, but would continue to be an SHA unless a closure order was also sought. Provisions enabling this to be done came into force with the commencement of section 1 of the Marine Navigation Act 2013 in October 2013. The application process is as follows: Section 17D and Part 1 of Schedule 3 of the 1964 Act set out the procedure that harbour authorities must follow before applying. Pre-application: Anyone intending to apply for a harbour closure order should contact Transport Scotland prior to making an application to ensure they are aware of what should be included in their statement and draft closure order. Consulting other organisations: Authorities are encouraged to consult other relevant stakeholders and those organisations and persons likely to be affected by the proposals prior to making the application. Public notices: Once a SHA has submitted its application, it must arrange for a notice of that application to be placed in the Edinburgh Gazette and for two consecutive weeks in one or more local newspapers. A 42-day period for objections and representations will then begin from the date of the first published notice. Page 94 of 146
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Transport Scotland will discuss and agree the content of these notices prior to publication. Consultation process: At the same time as the advert appears in the newspapers Scottish Ministers will consult such bodies as it considers appropriate. Each consultee will be given a 42- day period to respond which may run concurrently with the public notice period. Typical consultees may include: - Ports industry bodies - Scottish Environment Protection Agency - Maritime and Coastguard Agency - Northern Lighthouse Board - Neighbouring local authorities - Neighbouring harbour authorities - Chamber of Shipping - Royal Yachting Association The list of consultees will be notified to the authority who will be required to provide each consultee with a copy of their application documents. Registering an objection or representation: Organisations or individuals wishing to object to or make a representation about a harbour order must do so within the 42-day statutory period allowed for objections and representations. Resolution of objections: Where objections to a harbour closure order are made, the authority will be allowed a period to negotiate with the objectors with a view to resolving the objections. The length of this period will be agreed with the authority if required. Written representations: Where there are outstanding objections and efforts to resolve them have been unsuccessful, Scottish Ministers will make a decision on how best to proceed with the application and this may include a process of written representations or in very contentious cases a public inquiry or hearing. Scottish Ministers’ decision: Once Scottish Ministers have taken the decision on whether or not to make the closure order, they will notify the authority, consultees and any objectors and publish the decision on the Transport Scotland website. The authority must publish a notice in the Edinburgh Gazette and local newspaper stating: - that the harbour closure order has been made - where a copy of the order can be viewed - when the order comes into operation - the procedure to challenge the validity of the order. Page 95 of 146
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APPENDIX 2 Timeline of activity 8 February 2023 – Council chooses option 5 as preferred option for Perth Harbour. The cessation of involvement and obligations to manage the harbour as a commercial port. Council instructed Executive Director (Communities) to seek approval for a Harbour Revision Order. Also instructed that in recognition of the length of time this would take officers should test the market for interest in a potential long lease opportunity. 9 February 2023 – Transport Scotland informed of decision of Council. At that time, they indicated that the average timescale for a simple Harbour Revision Order being decided was six months. However, they advised that this was not guaranteed and recommended that officers sought legal advice on behalf of the Council. 20 February 2023 – meeting with Transport Scotland to discuss process and the impact of carrying out marketing for interest in long lease opportunity. Following the meeting agreed that while both processes could run in parallel the Harbour Revision Order process to close to commercial traffic could only start once the marketing process was completed. Transport Scotland also encouraged pre-consultation with key stakeholders ahead of the formal processes. Regular updates on progress against the timeline below provided to Transport Scotland throughout February to September 2023. 27 February 2023 – first meeting with specialist external legal advisors. Regular meetings have taken place since. A commercial traffic closure plan as well as a draft Harbour Revision Order were developed with the legal adviser, as well as a checklist for any parties interested in the long lease opportunity. 16 May 2023 – formal marketing of the long lease opportunity for the Harbour began. 18 May 2023 – 14-day pre-consultation launched with key stakeholders on both the Council’s intentions to promote a Harbour Revision Order to close commercial traffic and the long lease opportunity. One-to-one meetings were also organised with stakeholders such as the Northern Lighthouse Board. June 2023 – the draft commercial traffic closure plan, draft Harbour Revision Order and the results of the pre-consultation were shared with Transport Scotland to allow them to share with their own legal advisers for comment. 12 June 2023 – closing date for expressions of interest to be submitted for long lease of harbour. One expression of interest received, which was non-compliant. Bidder given the opportunity to submit a revised compliant bid by 30 June. 30 June 2023 – revised compliant bid received which was assessed against the requirements stated in the particulars. 30 August 2023 – in private session decision of Council to accept the bid with the exception of the sale of the Fair Maid tugboat at nil value. 8 September 2023 – bidder decided to stand aside from the process. 7 Page 97 of 146
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12 September 2023 – request to Transport Scotland for a meeting to progress the draft Harbour Revision Order submitted in June 2023. Advised that they had not yet received legal advice and were unable to provide feedback. Several subsequent requests for a meeting made with the same result. 4 December 2023 – in light of no feedback being provided by Transport Scotland, decision made to progress by formal submission application for Harbour Revision Order. 7 December 2023 – Transport Scotland acknowledged formal submission but requested further information. 9 January 2024 – the requested further information was provided to Transport Scotland. 31 January 2024 – Transport Scotland advised that due to the many factors they needed to consider for this application and the fact they are currently experiencing a heavy workload, they were not in a position as yet to give full feedback. 5 March 2024 – David Littlejohn, Strategic Lead – Economy, Development and Planning wrote to the Interim Director of Transport Scotland to express concerns about the slow progress. Reply received indicated that Transport Scotland aim to work closely with all prospective applicants to ensure any final application and subsequent order is robust, both legally and from a policy perspective. It is also highlighted that they are currently dealing with an unprecedented number of Harbour Order applications and that these are being progressed as quickly as possible. 8 March 2024 – meeting took place with Transport Scotland to review information provided and to agree how to progress public consultation as soon as possible. Following the meeting updated information was provided. 4 April 2024 – Council provided additional information and submitted the latest version of the HRO with supporting documentation following requests from TS for further information. This latest iteration draws on valuable insights from Scottish Enterprise, emphasising their stance on the Harbour’s economic viability concerns. All requested information including updated risk assessment were included within the revised submission as requested. 15 May 2024 – Council completed amendments suggested by Transport Scotland on the public notice wording template and submitted. Transport Scotland confirmed that a formal letter with the list of stakeholders would be sent. 3 June 2024 –Transport Scotland apologised for not sending the formal letter and highlighted they were still working on the wording of the public notice. Transport Scotland then requested confirmation on land acquisition. Council confirmed this proposal did not involve the acquisition of any land. 20 June 2024 – A replacement tracked version of the public notice requiring further review is received from Transport Scotland. Solicitors from Council and Transport Scotland back and forth Page 98 of 146
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30 July 2024 – Council agreed with all amendments to the public notice wording. Awaiting confirmation to publish. 30 August 2024 – Letter from Cllr Laing writing to express our concerns regarding the uncertainty surrounding the timescale for processing our Harbour Revision Order application for Perth Harbour. 25 September 2024 – Following reminders, a response letter was received from Transport Scotland on 25th September. This letter highlighted the complexity of the process and that our application required a more detailed consideration. Transport Scotland needed to ensure that an Order is proportionate, achieves what it sets out to do, provides adequate opportunity for all those impacted by its aims to provide views and is best insulated from potential legal challenge once the Order has been established. Transport Scotland indicated that the pursuance of a Closure Order for a functioning harbour has not occurred previously in the UK, making this a more complex and novel request. Nonetheless, Transport Scotland indicated that they were now at the final stages of the pre-consultation stage for the proposed Closure Order and would initiate the formal 42-day consultation period as soon as possible. 25 October 2024 – Without warning, Transport Scotland sent an email requesting further information for Ministers/officials and interested stakeholders to be able to fully consider the merits of a Closure application. Council immediately sought a meeting to discuss the content of the email which took place on 6th November. 6 November 2024 - Session with Martin Ritchie (Head of Ports) and Nick Gosling (Head of Maritime Policy) from Transport Scotland and Council and Council’s legal advisers. Transport Scotland highlighted their concerns regarding the obligations being relinquished and bylaw powers to be retained. They reiterated the novelty of the request in the UK and certainly in Scotland as well as for their team. Council agreed to provide the additional information requested. Council stressed again the need to reach a conclusion. 2 December 2024 - With the support of our legal adviser, the current bylaw position and statutory duty position that supports all the harbour plans and mitigations to date has been finalised and sent to Transport Scotland and the Scottish Ministers for review. Along the information, a letter stating the serious concerns from Council elected members and Chief Executive about the uncertainty of the timescale for a decision and the financial pressures this imposes on the Council’s already challenging financial position. An offer of a direct contact between Council legal advisers and Transport Scotland legal advisers was also offered to avoid any further delays. 19 December 2024 – TS respond to our updated bylaw and statutory duty position that supports all the harbour plans, mitigations and questions to date. TS are seeking further detailed information on all statutory functions in respect of the harbour or specified statutory functions in respect of the harbour closure before publication and consultation. PKC set another meeting with TS to ascertain the specified statutory functions to be detailed. Page 99 of 146
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13 January 2025 - Confirmation of Border Control Post/ Designation Expansion – Perth. Application submitted on the 13 July 2021, to expand the Border Control Post (BCP) designation facilities at Perth. The information submitted contains evidence demonstrating that the current construction of the Border Control Post has met required criteria for the additional commodities to be authorised. Perth Harbour is designated as a border control post for the purpose of performing official controls on the commodities as of the 13 January 2025 for the following commodities: • Product of Animal Origin (POA) Not of Human Consumption – Bulk Fishmeal 21 January 2025 – Legal team and officer discussion around the obstacles on the alternate legal basis for PKC to monitor use of the harbour and how TS have been requiring yet further detailed information. This risk assessment on legislative change will be the first in Scotland and the new statutory provision is proving time consuming and challenging to progress. Reframing the order to retain some duties as the Statutory Harbour Authority was discussed and decided to be explored as a proposal to take HRO to TS to solve the gridlock. 5 February 2025 – After further discussion with legal support, TS hosted a session outlining their concerns around safety and their current challenges. The HRO would be a more straightforward method for order processing, alleviating several concerns, particularly regarding health and safety risks. Using the same process as current HRO, we agreed to submitting with SHA H&S obligations and will not require SG to approve something unique. Powers will be retained by PKC as SHA, no requirement to change bylaws that would have required further legal work and additional ministerial approval. A statement by the Strategic Lead (Economy, Development & Planning) was made at the Finance & Resources Committee meeting informing members of difficulty and complexity of the process and recommended to explore this new option. 30 March 2025 - Operations update includes repair of ISPS fence (International Ship and Port Facility Security Code) and the contract for OPRC (Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Co-operation). Updates to the Safety Management System (SMS) from the Full Compliance Audit Report issued October 2025. There was an import and export of Fishmeal by the Ceg Galaxy. At the beginning of the month, a capital dredge application was submitted to Marine Scotland on behalf of Calport for a license. 15 April 2025 - Transport Scotland and the relevant legal teams reviewing update HRO submission pre consultation. Operations updates include the midterm PMSC (Port Marine Security Code) during April. The ISPS Audit will start with evidence gathering in April and the report is expected in May. Page 100 of 146
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APPENDIX 3 HARBOUR LEGAL ADVICE UPDATE PKC progress a Harbour Revision Order to remove CHA duties and commercial vessel over 24 meters. PKC can remove Competent Harbour Authority (CHA) duties with the continuation of Statutory Harbour Authority (SHA) obligations. These SHA obligations would be reduced with the role of the harbour reduced by limiting commercial vessels over 24 metres. Legal advice confirmed this would be an approach with some pros and cons: Pros • Uses the same process as current HRO • Clear Health & Safety obligations and will not require Scottish Ministers to approve something unique. • Legal advice and order could be prepared - the order does not require much change from the current order process • Powers will be retained by PKC as SHA • No need to change bylaws (which would require further legal work and ministerial approval) • Once progressed another HRO could also reinstate a CHA, if required. Cons • As SHA, the Council still retain the obligations of SHA and advised to comply with the Port Marine Safety Code (PMSC see terms below). These obligations would align with the activities at the harbour and allow for some flexibility. • Harbour master function would still exist • Abolishing the SHA would be the most effective solution to significantly lessen total obligations. Whilst the most effective way to reduce obligations would be to advance the closure order, which would relieve PKC of more responsibilities. Legal pointed out another risk: alongside the full closure order, PKC would need to initiate a separate legal process to amend the bylaws, which would require ministerial approval. As the landowner, PKC would need to implement processes to address post-closure activities. Maintaining the SHA would not significantly burden PKC compared to implementing safety protocols after closure. Terms The Port Marine Safety Code (PMSC) The Port Marine Safety Code (PMSC) is a set of guidelines and standards designed to promote safety within the maritime industry, particularly in the context of ports and harbours. The purpose of the Port Marine Safety Code is to enhance safety management practices, ensuring the protection of people, property, and the environment. 7 Page 101 of 146
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Key aspects and objectives of the Port Marine Safety Code include: • Risk Management – The code emphasizes the importance of risk assessment and management. Ports are encouraged to identify potential hazards, assess associated risks, and implement measures to mitigate those risks effectively • Safety Management Systems (SMS) – The PMSC encourages the establishment and implementation of Safety Management Systems by port and harbour authorities. These systems help ensure a systematic and organised approach to safety, including clear procedures, communication, and monitoring • Continuous Improvement – The code promotes a culture of continuous improvement in safety performance. Ports are encouraged to review and enhance their safety practices regularly, learning from incidents and near misses • Legal Compliance – Ports are expected to comply with relevant national and international maritime laws and regulations. The PMSC provides a framework to assist ports in meeting these legal obligations • Communication and Coordination – Effective communication and coordination among all stakeholders, including port authorities, port users, and emergency services, are crucial for ensuring a comprehensive approach to safety • Training and Competence – The code stresses the importance of training and maintaining the competence of personnel involved in port operations. This includes harbour masters, pilots, and other staff responsible for safety-critical tasks • Emergency Preparedness – Ports are encouraged to develop and maintain emergency response plans, ensuring readiness to respond promptly and effectively to incidents that may pose a threat to safety. While compliance with the Port Marine Safety Code is voluntary, ports and harbours that adhere to its principles demonstrate a commitment to high standards of safety management. The code serves as a valuable tool for fostering a safety-conscious culture within the maritime industry, contributing to the overall well-being of those involved in port activities and the protection of the marine environment. Competent Harbour Authority (CHA) and Statutory Harbour Authority (SHA) refer to different types of harbours and ports each having distinct powers and responsibilities. Competent Harbour Authorities focus more on operational management without explicit statutory power, whereas Statutory Harbour Authorities are vested by law with specific regulatory and enforcement capabilities. A CHA is typically defined by its ability to oversee the operation, maintenance, and development of a port or harbour. Their powers often include: - Health and Safety Oversight - Environmental Management - Vessel Movements: Authority over the navigation and berthing of vessels within the harbour. Page 102 of 146
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- Port Development: Decision-making related to infrastructure improvements and expansions. CHAs may not have statutory powers but can operate under various maritime laws and regulations, giving them the authority to act on behalf of the port community. SHA is established by legislation and has specific statutory powers granted by law. Their key powers typically include: - Legal Authority Empowered to impose legal obligations on users within the harbour. - Regulatory Enforcement: Authority to enforce compliance with local, national, and international maritime laws. - Charges and Fees: Ability to set and collect fees for the use of harbour facilities and services. - Safety Regulations: Legal responsibility to ensure safety standards and conduct inspections of vessels and operations. Transition to the new operating model: Currently, while PKC is implementing changes to harbour obligations and activities at the harbour to close commercial traffic; the port is operating in a compliant manner and maintaining business as usual. Although some of the burden on operations from the previous contract between Perth Harbour and CalMac contract has decreased, there are still significant pressures to remain compliant. PKC is currently navigating through just under 150 distinct duties and obligations. These responsibilities are defined under a variety of key documents and legislative frameworks, which include: • Good Practice Guide / Port Marine Operations, • Harbours Act 1964, • Marine Navigation Act 2013, • Port Marine Safety Code. For all UK Harbour Authorities and other marine facilities, berths and terminals. • Scottish Outdoor Access Code 2005. • Lease 1990-01-05 • Pilotage Act 1987 • Perth and Kinross Council (Port Marine Safety Code) Safety Management System Policy Document Page 103 of 146
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Our vision is a Perth and Kinross where everyone can live life well, free from poverty and inequality ___________________________________________________________________ Committee or Board: Economy & Infrastructure Committee Date of Meeting: 28 May 2025 Report Title School Exclusion Zone Programme Report Number: 25/131 Report Author: Daryl McKeown, Senior Engineer, Traffic & Network Organisational Lead: Fraser Crofts, Strategic Lead Environment & Infrastructure ___________________________________________________________________ 1. Purpose 1.1 The purpose of this Report is to provide an update on the effectiveness of school exclusion zones in Blairgowrie, Guildtown, Kinloch Rannoch and Perth, to propose additional pedestrian facilities at Blairgowrie and Perth, and to recommend changes at the Viewlands zone in Perth to encourage better compliance with the access restriction. 1.2 Sections 1. Purpose 2. Recommendations 3. Background/Context 4. Main Issues 5. Proposals 6. Conclusion 7. Impact and Value Assessment 8. Appendices 2. Recommendations It is recommended that the Committee: 2.1 Notes the effectiveness of the school exclusion zone programme within a defined road environment. 2.2 Approves the creation of permanent Traffic Regulation Orders for school exclusion zones at Blairgowrie Community Campus and at Guildtown, Inchview and Kinloch Rannoch primary schools. 8 Page 105 of 146
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2.3 Approves the creation of an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order to trial an exclusion zone at Tulloch Primary School. 2.4 Agrees to public consultation on changes to the Viewlands school exclusion zone to encourage better compliance. 2.5 Approves the provision of the additional measures to improve pedestrian facilities around Blairgowrie Community Campus and at Guildtown, Tulloch and Viewlands primary schools, and the removal of the school exclusion zone from the old Balhousie Primary School site, subject to consultation and available budgets. 2.6 Approves the implementation of a communications strategy to promote each school exclusion zone. 3. Background/Context 3.1 In 2016, Perth & Kinross Council undertook a successful trial of the school exclusion zone (SEZ) access restriction on streets around four primary schools – Arngask (Glenfarg), Burrelton, Coupar Angus and Luncarty. The Arngask and Burrelton sites were accommodated within the existing road network. Running parallel with the Coupar Angus and Luncarty SEZ projects was the upgrading of pedestrian facilities in the form of new footpath links. 3.2 The Council was responding to road safety concerns from schools, parents and residents about traffic levels at the school gates. There were two objectives to installing the school exclusion zones – (i) to reduce congestion, and the associated road safety risk, at the school gate and (ii) discourage dependence on vehicular transport by enabling people to walk to and from school. 3.3 The school exclusion zone is an access restriction, rather than a parking restriction. Vehicles are not permitted to drive in, out or around the school streets when the scheme is in operation. Signs are located at the entrance to the schemes which have flashing amber beacons to indicate when the scheme is in operation. Only those vehicles displaying a valid permit are exempt from the access restriction. Vehicles parked within the zone without a permit are entitled to remain but cannot move until the operating time finishes. 3.4 As a school exclusion zone is an access restriction, entering the restricted area without a valid permit is a traffic violation and a matter for Police Scotland. Similar to speed limits, local roads authorities can introduce such restrictions but enforcement remains the responsibility of the Police. From the start of the project, Police Scotland stated they would not routinely enforce the school exclusion zones but would respond to school or community concerns as resources permit. 3.5 In 2022, Perth & Kinross Council introduced additional school exclusion zones at nine schools, covering six sites, as part of our Spaces for People (SFP) programme. The SFP funding from the Scottish Government was to facilitate increased pedestrian activity during the early stages of the Covid pandemic. Page 106 of 146
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The additional schools were being introduced as part of a trial using a Temporary Traffic Regulation Order. These new school exclusion zones covered streets around the school campuses at Balhousie, Guildtown, Inchview, Kinloch Rannoch, Newhill/St. Stephen’s, Viewlands/Fairview/Perth Academy. A further site at Tulloch Primary School was deferred until improvements have been made to the road infrastructure for pedestrians. 3.6 The original 18-month TTROs were permitted to be extended by the Scottish Government to 24-months. This was largely because of the high number of new TTROs introduced across the country by Local Authorities during the Covid pandemic and the length of time it would take to assess and process them to full TROs. These TTROS have now expired which means the access restrictions cannot be enforced. Police Scotland retain a visible presence around the schools as an ongoing deterrent. 4. Main Issues 4.1 Balhousie Primary School was the site that experienced most compliance. The school was located at the end of a short cul-de-sac, with limited frontage development resulting in no through-traffic and low residential traffic. The entire school role resides within the catchment area so there was limited parent/carer traffic. This road environment is the ideal model for a school exclusion zone. Although the school has now closed, and the pupils transferred to Riverside Primary School, this trial zone has provided the Council with the most beneficial study site. 4.2 The school exclusion zones at Guildtown, Inchview and Kinloch Rannoch also lie on short no-through roads with limited traffic, as do the original Arngask and Burrelton zones. Compliance at each site varies but is generally good. There have been regular complaints about poor compliance by a small number of drivers and requests for enforcement at Inchview, and occasional complaints about unauthorised traffic at Guildtown and Kinloch Rannoch. There have been no requests to have these zones amended or removed. 4.3 At the Blairgowrie Community Campus, the access restriction covers several individual streets which are adjacent to the campus and connected by pedestrian accesses. Initially, school traffic migrated from these excluded streets to the adjacent public road network. It was agreed with the Ward Councillors, the Community Council and the Parent Council to introduce waiting restrictions around the road junctions on the periphery of the school exclusion zones site in order to prevent obstructive parking. Electronic signs were installed on Elm Drive but not activated as the beginning of the school exclusion zone project coincided with building of the new houses and link road. Once completed, Elm Drive would become a local distributor road, as initially planned, and unsuitable for any access restriction. 4.4 A Park & Stride site has recently been constructed on Hazelwood Road which provides a continuous pedestrian link to the school without pupils having to cross a public road. Travel patterns and traffic volumes in the area have increased with the opening of the new retail park on Perth Road and the (still to be adopted) link between Hazelwood Road and Elm Drive. It is likely that Page 107 of 146
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an additional school exclusion zone will be required on the new housing development next to the school but this will continue to be monitored. 4.5 The Viewlands school exclusion zone, covering Viewlands Primary School, Fairview School and Perth Academy has been problematic from the outset. Pupils at Fairview are taxied to the school so their transport is exempt from the access restriction. The Academy has a larger catchment area but those pupils residing over three miles away are automatically entitled to school transport. However, over half the primary school role resides outside the catchment area and attend the school as placement requests. Some of these are a few streets away on the other side of the Glasgow Road, within the catchment for Craigie Primary School. 4.6 The new traffic signals at the Murray Place/Murray Crescent junction includes a pedestrian phase which has assisted vehicular and pedestrian movements across Glasgow Road. A footway, planned before the school exclusion zone project, was constructed on the school side of Fairies Road as a drop-off/pick- up point and to provide an upgraded public transport connection. A Puffin crossing was installed on Viewlands Road near the entrance to Perth Academy. These measures were planned before the Spaces for People school exclusion zone project was formulated and will remain in place for all road users, regardless of the outcome of the school exclusion zone project. 4.7 The various part-time 20mph speed limits that operated at school times were extended, connected and made permanent. All residential streets in the area will soon be subject to a 20mph speed limit as part of the 20mph National Strategy being promoted by the Scottish Government. 4.8 There is a narrow footway along the south (school) side of Viewlands Road to the west of Murray Terrace, but it does not extend as far as the school gate. There is no footway on the south side of Viewlands Road from the point midway between Viewlands Place and Murray Terrace, to the Glasgow Road junction. All pupils travelling along Viewlands Road are required to walk on the north side of the road, then cross Viewlands Road to access the schools. 4.9 The parental decision to transport those pupils who reside a distance from the school by car generates additional traffic, both around the school gate and within the campus. At the start of the trial, there was increased parking on Fairies Road and Oakbank Road from displaced traffic. Double yellow lines were installed around public road junctions to prevent obstructive parking. As compliance rates have reduced, parking has gradually moved from these streets on the periphery back onto the streets within the school exclusion zone. 4.10 While many parents voiced support for the Viewlands trial, and compliance by drivers was generally good in the initial months, compliance rates have steadily decreased. Current traffic figures are similar to pre-school exclusion zone levels. 4.11 Residents within the zone, residents adjacent to the zone and the parents of hundreds of school children attending Viewlands Primary School and Perth Page 108 of 146
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Academy, were invited to participate in a public consultation in June 2024. The Traffic & Network Team received 136 responses, with an even split between residents and parents. The results are summarised as follows: • Remove the school exclusion zone 62 people (46%) • Amend the school exclusion zone 17 people (12.5%) • Retain the school exclusion zone 55 people (40%) • Other comments/Neutral 2 people (1.5%) Almost all the people who wanted the zone removed or amended were parents or residents adjacent to the zone. Almost all the people who wanted the zone retained were residents within the zone. 4.12 Whatever the reasons for continuing to drive in the school exclusion zone without a permit (and they appear to be many), drivers are choosing to ignore the access restriction and drive up to the school gate. This also includes driving through the shared-campus. For any restriction on the road network to work, the public must accept/understand its basis to exist and comply accordingly. It should also be appropriate for the road environment. This applies to any restriction, such as a speed limit, priority system or weight limit. If it is continually ignored, there is clearly a problem. 4.13 There are two factors to consider at Viewlands school exclusion zone. Firstly, the zone has multiple accesses which enables drivers to easily travel into and through it. Secondly, there has been a lack of consistent enforcement. From the outset, Police Scotland’s stated position is that they will not routinely enforce the school exclusion zone but will respond to community concerns about road safety as, and when, resources permit. It is their same position as 30mph speed limits and 20mph speed limits. Restrictions should be appropriate for the road environment in order to be self-regulating. 4.14 The Viewlands school exclusion zone in its current configuration is unworkable. The Council does not recommend removing the access restriction completely as this would simply reintroduce the congestion and road safety problems at the school gates. It was for this reason that the Head Teacher and Parent Council wanted us to do something in the first place. The request for a school exclusion zone did not come from residents, although residents within the zone continue to be supportive. The zone was extended, and extended again, to cover additional streets at the request of the Ward Councillors who were representing their constituents. The Traffic & Network Team agreed to include the additional streets in the extended area as part of the trial. 5. Proposals 5.1 Balhousie school exclusion zone: With the closure of Balhousie Primary School the inactive Balhousie school exclusion zone signs can be utilised at another school exclusion zone site. As there is no school exclusion zone planned in the near future, the signs will be disconnected, taken down and put into storage until required. Page 109 of 146
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5.2 Guildtown school exclusion zone: The access restriction on School Road for Guildtown Primary School requires no alteration. A new Puffin crossing is proposed in Guildtown as part of the second phase of the Cross Tay Link Road (CTLR) Mitigation Measures project. The first phase saw the speed limits reduced to 20mph and ramps installed across the road at the entrances to the village as part of the first phase. The preferred location of the Puffin crossing is on Main Street between the School Road and Hall Road junctions. This will encourage pupils to walk to the primary school and reduce dependence on vehicular traffic. The crossing could be installed on a flat- topped ramp as a further speed reduction measure. 5.3 Inchview school exclusion zone: The access restriction on Craigie Place for Inchview Primary School requires no alteration. 5.4 Kinloch Rannoch school exclusion zone: The access restriction on Allt Mor Crescent at Kinloch Rannoch Primary School requires no alteration. 5.5 Blairgowrie school exclusion zone: The access restriction on Smithfield Crescent, McLaren Park and Blackthorn Place requires no alteration. The school exclusion zone should be extended to cover the newly constructed residential street on the school side of Elm Drive. This is still under construction and the site remains the responsibility of the developer. During the maintenance period, prior to adoption, consultation will be undertaken with residents about the introduction of an school exclusion zone. The inactive school exclusion zone signs on Elm Drive can be relocated to cover the new street. The cost of this work will be covered by the TRO Revenue budget in 2025/26. The retail park on Perth Road will be promoted as an additional Park & Stride site to the Hazelwood Road facility, utilising the Puffin crossing on Perth Road that links to the off-road path along Ardblair Trail connecting to the campus. This will be included in the new communications strategy. 5.6 Tulloch school exclusion zone: Pedestrian facilities were to be upgraded before the access restriction at Tulloch Primary School became operational. Two Puffin crossings and a missing section of footway have now been installed on Primrose Crescent. The Zebra crossing on Primrose Crescent has been removed following the relocation of the main pedestrian access to the school from Gillespie Place to Primrose Crescent. The Traffic & Network Team will engage with the Head Teacher during June 2025 regarding a possible launch of the zone in the autumn term. 5.7 A continuous footway is planned for Nimmo Avenue, at the Nimmo Place junction but has still to be designed and programmed. This will assist pedestrian movement and suppress vehicle speeds and is scheduled for 2026/27. Further continuous footways are being considered at the Nimmo Place/Primrose Crescent and the Gillespie Place/Primrose Crescent junctions. The school sits within a full-time 20mph speed limit; and this is due to be extended later this year to cover the whole Tulloch area as part of the 20mph National Strategy being promoted by the Scottish Government by the end of 2025. Page 110 of 146
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5.8 Viewlands school exclusion zone: At Viewlands, the school exclusion zone should be reduced to cover Oakbank Crescent, the upper section of Oakbank Place and the upper section of Murray Place. This will ensure both vehicular and pedestrian accesses to the primary school are located within the school exclusion zone. Fairies Road would continue to be a drop-off/pick-up point at the west of the campus. Murray Terrace and Viewlands Place would become drop-off/pick-up points at the east of the campus as originally envisaged. These streets were included in the extended trial site, but this moved the area covered by zone beyond the immediate vicinity of the schools. If the entire school exclusion zone is removed completely, school traffic would return to these streets anyway. 5.9 The school exclusion zone would be removed from Viewlands Terrace as it is remote from the school and has experienced little impact from displaced traffic. Fraser Terrace needs to be retained within the school exclusion zone as there is no turning facility at the top of the street which would force drivers to exit through the school exclusion zone. 5.10 Although these recommended changes are based on the public consultation exercise last year, they do represent a major alteration to the school exclusion zone and a reduction in the number of streets covered by the access restriction. As a result, it is proposed to carry out a public consultation exercise prior to commencing work on the Traffic Regulation Order. This would include electronic communication through the schools to the parents and a maildrop to residents in those streets within and adjacent to the original zone. In addition, in co-ordination with the Head Teachers, consultation about road safety and active travel will be undertaken by the Traffic & Network Team with pupils in the schools. 5.11 There are cost implications with preparing a new Traffic Regulation Order, disconnecting and removing or relocating the school exclusion zone signs and further upgrading pedestrian facilities in the area. Removal and relocation of the electronic signs can be covered by the TRO budget. The ongoing administrative costs are also absorbed into the TRO programme and budget. 5.12 A Puffin crossing will be installed on Fairies Road, in the vicinity of the Oakbank Crescent junction, to replace the School Crossing Patroller that no longer operates at the site. 5.13 The Murray Place/Viewlands Road junction will be reconfigured. Reducing the junction radius will lower entrance speeds and enable the footways to be widened at the crossing points with Athollbank Drive. 5.14 There is no land available within the road boundary to widen the narrow footway west of Murray Terrace and provide a connection to connect to Perth Academy. There is no land available within the road boundary to construct a footway as a private dwelling abuts the road. A priority system will be installed, reducing the carriageway to single lane. This would provide the space for a widened footway and act as a speed reduction measure (especially if priority is given to uphill traffic). A new remote footpath could be constructed through the trees to the Academy’s main entrance, similar to the Page 111 of 146
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Viewlands Road path on the uphill side of the school gate. In the interim, there is a footway on the north side of Viewlands Road although pupils are required to cross the road to access the schools. 5.15 A footway could be constructed along the south side of Viewlands Road to connect to the Glasgow Road junction. In the interim, there is a footway on the north side of Viewlands Road although pupils are required to cross the road to access the schools. 5.16 The combined school campus is maintained by Perth & Kinross Council but does not form part of the public road network. It is the responsibility of the Education & Learning Service. There are information signs at the two gates promoting a self-regulating one-way system through the campus. The entry point is opposite Muray Place and the exit is opposite Fraser Terrace. There are major challenges regarding traffic management and road safety within the campus due to the conflicting movements by the various competing, but legitimate, road users. This is exasperated by the additional, unauthorised vehicular traffic created by drivers without permits entering the school exclusion zone and the school grounds. The Traffic & Network Team will liaise with the Education & Learning Service to assess the current road layout within the campus and devise remedial measures. 5.17 Communications Strategy: A publicity campaign, aimed particularly at new parents, will be undertaken at the start of each new academic year, with reminders at the start of each term. Education initiatives can be used to change driver behaviour rather than relying solely on enforcement to change driver behaviour. This publicity campaign will form part of the communications strategy for all the school exclusion zones. This will be developed between Traffic & Network and the Council’s Communications Team, in partnership with the Education & Learning Service. 5.18 In order for the proposals outlined above to be progressed they will require to be costed and suitable funding identified, most of which can be accommodated within existing Traffic and Network budgets or external grants. Some of the additional mitigation measures identified in the proposals in and around the Viewlands area would require additional funding to progress which would need further consideration at F&R Committee and/or as part of the Council’s capital budget setting process. 6. Conclusion 6.1 Amendments to the school exclusion zones will help encourage better compliance with the access restrictions at each site and reduce the need for regular enforcement. 6.2 Promotion of, and compliance with, the school exclusion zones will help make the streets around the schools safer by reducing the risk of conflict between the various road users. Page 112 of 146
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6.3 Promotion of, and compliance with, the school exclusion zones will help reduce dependence on vehicular transport and encourage active modes of transport. 7. Impact and Value Assessment https://www.pkc.gov.uk/media/54054/School-Exclusion-Zone- Programme/pdf/School_Exclusion_Zone_Programme.pdf?m=1747740832007 8. Appendices 8.1 Appendix 1 - Drawing VSEZ1 Existing Layout 8.2 Appendix 2 - Drawing VSEZ2 Proposed Layout Page 113 of 146
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44 1522 17 20 13 25 M UIREND G RO VE 18 M UIREND AVENUE 21 35 12 CherrybankGardens 4 House Play Area 14 FB 9 9 FB Pond GLASGOW ROAD NECESSITY 219 BRAE Pond 34 225 Balancing 7 39 Pond19 51.5m 1 20 5 14 14 KINMOND DRIVE Pond BELL GARDENS 25 1 17 2 2 1 Merlin Scouring Burn FB Pond 12 Cottages Pond8 FB 8 38 57 to 22 31 Shelter 239 49.7m Sculpture 43 FB 14 25 16 19 1 Balancing Ponds 17 FB 1 NECESSITY BRAE 233 6 19 26 Pitheavlis 19 1 221 28 19 21 3 BUCHAN ROAD 2 71.6m 4 24 51 (covered) 26 47 5 DRIVE 7 31 18 2 36 1 53 2 ATHO LLBANK 4 Playing Field Reservoir 6 34 Sports Pavilion Fairview School 37 17 14 30 28 58.8m 25 3 Sub Sta 3 6 37 El 2 to 4 26 ARTHUR PARK 15 2 30 42 OAKBANK PLACE Shelter 231 1 43 58.2m 2 Shelter 241 29 LB 18 to 32 39 17 to 27 CHERRYBANK 1 2 32 ESS 6a to 6i 2 69 LB El Sub Sta OAKBANK ROAD 1 69.5m CLEEVE DRIVE 753 OAKBANK CRESCENT STEPHEN FRANCIS ROAD 68 10 8 2 10 58 1 21 65 M ILLER AVENUE 44 27 5 FAIRIES RO AD 18 24 36 47 13 58 1 4 NORIE TERRACE 1 63 67 4a to 4i 62 56 12 7 Shelter FAIRIES RO AD 25 23 15 2 Stone 6 51 9 43 37 26 16 14 1 13 2 3 101 36 30 24 97 BUCHAN DRIVE 47 11 26 3 81.7m 22 61 VIEWLANDS ROAD WEST 59 57 8 84.7m 50Ross Grove ROSS AVENUE 2 VIEWLANDS ROAD AVENUE RO SS 20 1 CLEEVE PARK 25 14 22 35 30 11 11 74.1m 29 38 8 1 Oakbank Primary School 2 Sub Sta 11 28 Posts Stone 44 2 5 55 16 83 Tank 11 4 42 32 TERRACE 54 12 ROSS AVENUE 9 2 Stone El Posts 2 FB Allotment Gardens Bellsview 1 GLASGOW ROAD211 (PH)Cherrybank Inn 215 10 LOW ROAD 209 3 Burn 2 11 to 13 7 4 Pickembere TCB 39.0m 92 B1 to B10A1 to A9 LB 103 Shelter 109 13 ROSEBANK 11 36.3m 2 2 4 G LASG O W RO AD 1 86 Corsie Posts 3 14 2 El Sub Sta 1 93 74 107 TULLYLUMB TERRACE 1 105a 105 1 Lovat Hotel 4 Hurstridge Oaklands 7 14 El Sub Sta 8 1 to 6 1 HAMILTON PLACE 8 5 6 2 2 El Sub Sta 34 1 11 Path Path 43 1 15a 25 2 23 House 13 El Sub Sta Hall 19 Reservoir VIEWLANDS ROAD 1 ATHOLLBANK DRIVE HAMILTON PLACE 22 11 16 27 VIEWLANDS HAM ILTON LANE 15b 21 Athollbank 58.5m 64.9m 35 6a 12 Viewlands Court VIEW LANDS PLACE 42 42.7m 16 ATHOLLBANK Viewlands (covered) Perth Academy M URRAY TERRACE Cottage 26 17 53.6m 8 HAMILTON GARDENS 4 18 5 Tennis Courts 198 190 188 192 4 7 165 24 MURRAY PLACE 10 Allanbank 16 1 41.1m 31 Garage 21 202 3 10 8 19 15 2 183 17 13 33 4 4 VIEWLANDS TERRACE 29 5 17 34 to 44 162 41.8m 33 32 19 5 BRAESIDE GARDENS Nursery 13 31 36 30 CHERRYBANK GROVE 37 Shelter 6 20 38 201 193b 193a 28 3 39 8 2 VIEW LANDS TERRACE 10 20 155 18 29 5 12 3 166 197 186 22 15 11 17 5 207 11 163 9 6 200 176 35 12 20 OAKBANK ROAD 41.5m 9 Craigie Burn 181 LB 3 19 195 9 Craigiebank 12 20 Scouring 13 14 21 OAKBANK CRESCENT 3 21 FRASER TERRACE Childrens 33 52.4m 2 12 Viewlands Primary School 2 24a 34 27 191 1 El Sub Sta 184 22 160 40 BRAESIDE GARDENS El Sub Sta 120 8 7 133 141 FB VIEW LANDS TERRACE 26 144 127 60 134 50 PITHEAVLIS TERRACE 12 LB PITHEAVLIS 17 66 5 1 128 1 52 Shelter MURRAY CRESCENT 152 12 11 121 1 to 4 30 1a 121 9 23 12 108 100 114 117 94 ORCHARD PLACE 69 Tennis Courts 116 119 9 Path (um) 124 G ARDENS 1 122 2 14 113 1 111 118 12 27 Castle GLASGOW ROAD Pitheavlis 54 20 139 116a 56 Club CASTLE 64 ESS 2 1 137 43.3m 6 7 68 6 54 69 42 42.1m El Sub Sta 1 58 18 to 24 House 45.4m 16 51 67 Club 56 79 6a to 6i OAKBANK ROAD 69.5m 753 OAKBANK CRESCENT 58 25 65 37 18 24 58 4a to 4i 56 15 2 Stone 42 1 50Ross Grove ROSS AVENUE AVENUE RO SS 14 22 11 74.1m 8 1 2 29 Stone 54 Stone CherrybankGardens 4 House Play Area 14 FB 2 9 9 1 FB CLEEVE DRIVE 37 17 Pond GLASGOW ROAD STEPHEN FRANCIS ROAD 14 10 8 2 NECESSITY 219 10 30 28 58.8m 1 3 Sub Sta 21 3 6 BRAE M ILLER AVENUE Pond 44 El 2 27 5 34 to 225 Balancing 7 36 4 39 13 4 NORIE TERRACE 1 Pond19 12 7 1 20 5 14 14 KINMOND DRIVE Pond 25 23 BELL GARDENS ARTHUR PARK 25 1 15 2 17 2 2 1 30 Merlin 51 Scouring Burn FB Pond 9 OAKBANK PLACE 12 Shelter Cottages 43 37 26 231 16 14 13 2 3 1 8 FB 43 8 38 57 to 20 1 CLEEVE PARK 25 35 30 11 58.2m 29 2 22 Shelter 31 Shelter 241 11 Posts 239 44 2 5 49.7m 55 Sculpture 43 FB 17 to 27 14 25 16 19 1 Balancing Ponds 17 FB CHERRYBANK 11 1 NECESSITY BRAE 42 32 233 6 TERRACE 12 1 ROSS AVENUE 9 2 19 26 Pitheavlis 19 1 2 28 Sports Pavilion Fairview School 68 FAIRIES RO AD 47 1 62 Shelter 2 Sub Sta 4 El Playing Field ESS 69 LB El Sub Sta 44 63 67 FAIRIES RO AD 6 19 101 15 21 22 17 36 3 30 24 BUCHAN ROAD 20 2 97 71.6m BUCHAN DRIVE 4 24 47 51 (covered) 13 26 11 47 5 26 25 3 81.7m DRIVE 22 61 VIEWLANDS ROAD WEST 7 59 57 31 M UIREND G RO VE 8 18 2 18 36 84.7m VIEWLANDS ROAD 38 Oakbank Primary School 1 53 28 2 ATHO LLBANK 4 Reservoir M UIREND AVENUE 16 6 21 83 Tank 35 12 34 Posts 2 51.5m 26 Pond LB 18 to 32 39 221 32 Allanbank Bellsview 7 7 14 8 1 to 6 1 2 11 15a 13 El Sub Sta 1 HAMILTON PLACE 22 11 16 HAM ILTON LANE 15b 12 Viewlands Court VIEW LANDS PLACE 42.7m 26 HAMILTON GARDENS 4 18 5 160 4 7 188 10 16 FB Garage 8 19 17 13 33 34 to 44 41.8m BRAESIDE GARDENS Cherrybank Inn 193b 2 10 215 18 1 12 197 22 17 Burn 2 OAKBANK ROAD 16 LB 19 9 11 to 13 7 20 Scouring OAKBANK CRESCENT TCB 3 Childrens 2 1 22 40 BRAESIDE GARDENS 92 B1 to B10A1 to A9 LB VIEW LANDS TERRACE 103 Shelter 109 13 ROSEBANK 11 PITHEAVLIS TERRACE 36.3m 2 2 4 G LASG O W RO AD 1 1 1 86 Corsie Posts 3 14 2 1a 121 9 El Sub Sta 1 12 93 108 74 100 114 117 107 TULLYLUMB TERRACE 1 105a 105 1 Lovat Hotel 4 Hurstridge Oaklands El Sub Sta HAMILTON PLACE 8 5 6 2 El Sub Sta 34 1 Path Path 43 1 25 2 23 House Hall 19 Reservoir VIEWLANDS ROAD ATHOLLBANK DRIVE 27 VIEWLANDS 21 Athollbank 58.5m 64.9m 35 6a 42 16 ATHOLLBANK Viewlands (covered) Perth Academy M URRAY TERRACE Cottage 17 53.6m 8 Tennis Courts El Sub Sta 120 198 165 190 192 8 24 MURRAY PLACE 7 133 68 141 FB 1 26 41.1m 31 21 202 3 10 144 Allotment Gardens 127 15 60 2 183 134 4 4 VIEWLANDS TERRACE 29 5 17 162 50 33 32 19 5 12 LB 1 GLASGOW ROAD PITHEAVLIS Nursery 6 211 54 13 31 36 30 (PH) CHERRYBANK GROVE 69 17 37 Shelter 6 20 66 5 42 38 201 42.1m 193a 28 El Sub Sta 3 128 39 8 VIEW LANDS TERRACE 52 Shelter 20 MURRAY CRESCENT 10 155 29 LOW ROAD 5 3 166 186 152 12 209 11 121 3 1 to 4 30 15 11 23 94 ORCHARD PLACE 69 Tennis Courts 116 5 207 58 11 119 163 9 6 200 18 to 24 176 House 45.4m 9 35 12 Path (um) 20 124 41.5m 9 Craigie Burn 181 51 G ARDENS 3 195 1 67 122 Craigiebank 2 12 13 14 4 14 Club 113 1 21 111 118 12 56 27 Castle GLASGOW ROAD Pickembere Pitheavlis 54 20 139 116a 56 Club 21 FRASER TERRACE CASTLE 64 ESS 33 2 52.4m 2 12 Viewlands Primary School 1 137 24a 34 27 79 191 El Sub Sta 184 43.3m 6 39.0m A4 Environment & Infrastructure NORTH ***** *****_01 NTS 07/03/2025 Fraser Crofts - Strategic Lead © Crown copyright [and database rights] 2025 OS 100016971. You are permitted to use this data solely to enable you to respond to, or interact with, the organisation that provided you with the data. You are not permitted to copy, sub-licence, distribute or sell any of this data to third parties in any form. Viewlands School Exclusion Zone Existing L.H Legend Site Location NORTH Existing School Exclusion Zone 8 Page 115 of 146
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44 1522 17 20 13 25 M U IR EN D GROVE 18 M U IR EN D AVENUE 21 35 12 CherrybankGardens 4 House Play Area 14 FB 9 9 FB Pond GLASGOW ROAD NECESSITY 219 BRAE Pond 34 225 Balancing 7 39 Pond19 51.5m 1 20 5 14 14 KINMOND DRIVE Pond BELL GARDENS 25 1 17 2 2 1 Merlin Scouring Burn FB Pond 12 Cottages Pond8 FB 8 38 57 to 22 31 Shelter 239 49.7m Sculpture 43 FB 14 25 16 19 1 Balancing Ponds 17 FB 1 NECESSITY BRAE 233 6 19 26 Pitheavlis 19 1 221 28 19 21 3 BUCHAN ROAD 2 71.6m 4 24 51 (covered) 26 47 5 D R IVE 7 31 18 2 36 1 53 2 ATH O LLBANK 4 Playing Field Reservoir 6 34 Sports Pavilion Fairview School 37 17 14 30 28 58.8m 25 3 Sub Sta 3 6 37 El 2 to 4 26 ARTHUR PARK 15 2 30 42 OAKBANK PLACE Shelter 231 1 43 58.2m 2 Shelter 241 29 LB 18 to 32 39 17 to 27 CHERRYBANK 1 2 32 ESS 6a to 6i 2 69 LB El Sub Sta OAKBANK ROAD 1 69.5m CLEEVE DRIVE 753 OAKBANK CRESCENT STEPHEN FRAN C IS ROAD 68 10 8 2 10 58 1 21 65 M ILLER AVENUE 44 27 5 FAIR IES ROAD 18 24 36 47 13 58 1 4 N OR IE TERRACE 1 63 67 4a to 4i 62 56 12 7 Shelter FAIR IES ROAD 25 23 15 2 Stone 6 51 9 43 37 26 16 14 1 13 2 3 101 36 30 24 97 BU C HAN DRIVE 47 11 26 3 81.7m 22 61 VIEWLANDS ROAD WEST 59 57 8 84.7m 50Ross Grove ROSS AVENUE 2 VIEWLANDS ROAD AVENUE R O SS 20 1 CLEEVE PARK 25 14 22 35 30 11 11 74.1m 29 38 8 1 Oakbank Primary School 2 Sub Sta 11 28 Posts Stone 44 2 5 55 16 83 Tank 11 4 42 32 TERRACE 54 12 ROSS AVENUE 9 2 Stone El Posts 2 FB Allotment Gardens Bellsview 1 GLASGOW ROAD211 (PH)Cherrybank Inn 215 10 LOW ROAD 209 3 Burn 2 11 to 13 7 4 Pickembere TCB 39.0m 92 B1 to B10A1 to A9 LB 103 Shelter 109 13 ROSEBANK 11 36.3m 2 2 4 G LASG O W ROAD 1 86 Corsie 3 14 2 El Sub 1 93 107 TULLYLUMB TERRACE 1 105a 105 1 Lovat Hotel 4 Hurstridge Oaklands 7 14 El Sub Sta 8 1 to 6 1 HAMILTON PLACE 8 5 6 2 2 El Sub Sta 34 1 11 Path Path 43 1 15a 25 2 23 House 13 El Sub Sta Hall 19 Reservoir VIEWLANDS ROAD 1 ATHOLLBANK DRIVE HAMILTON PLACE 22 11 16 27 VIEWLANDS HAM ILTON LANE 15b 21 Athollbank 58.5m 64.9m 35 6a 12 Viewlands Court VIEW LAND S PLACE 42 42.7m 16 ATHO LLBANK Viewlands (covered) Perth Academy M U R RAY TERRACE Cottage 26 17 53.6m 8 HAMILTON GARDENS 4 18 5 Tennis Courts 198 190 188 192 4 7 165 24 MURRAY PLACE 10 Allanbank 16 1 41.1m 31 Garage 21 202 3 10 8 19 15 2 183 17 13 33 4 4 VIEWLANDS TERRACE 29 5 17 34 to 44 162 41.8m 33 32 19 5 BRAESIDE GARDENS Nursery 13 31 36 30 CHERRYBANK GROVE 37 Shelter 6 20 38 201 193b 193a 28 3 39 8 2 VIEW LANDS TERRACE 10 20 155 18 29 5 12 3 166 197 186 22 15 11 17 5 207 11 163 9 6 200 176 35 12 20 OAKBANK ROAD 41.5m 9 Craigie Burn 181 LB 3 19 195 9 Craigiebank 12 20 Scouring 13 14 21 OAKBANK CRESCENT 3 21 FRASER TERRACE Childrens 33 52.4m 2 12 Viewlands Primary School 2 24a 34 27 191 1 El Sub Sta 184 22 160 40 BRAESIDE GARDENS 120 8 7 133 141 FB VIEW LAN D S TERRACE 26 144 127 60 134 50 PITH EAVLIS TERRACE 12 LB PITHEAVLIS 17 66 5 1 128 1 52 Shelter MURRAY CRESCENT 152 12 11 121 1 to 4 30 1a 121 9 23 108 100 114 117 94 69 116 119 9 Path (um) 124 G AR D ENS 1 122 2 14 113 1 111 118 12 27 Castle GLASGOW ROAD Pitheavlis 54 20 139 116a 56 Club CASTLE 64 ESS 2 137 43.3m 6 7 68 6 54 69 42 42.1m El Sub Sta 1 58 18 to 24 House 45.4m 16 51 67 Club 56 79 6a to 6i OAKBANK ROAD 69.5m 753 OAKBANK CRESCENT 58 25 65 37 18 24 58 4a to 4i 56 15 2 Stone 42 1 50Ross Grove ROSS AVENUE AVENUE R O SS 14 22 11 74.1m 8 1 2 29 Stone 54 Stone CherrybankGardens 4 House Play Area 14 FB 2 9 9 1 FB CLEEVE DRIVE 37 17 Pond GLASGOW ROAD STEPHEN FRAN C IS ROAD 14 10 8 2 NECESSITY 219 10 30 28 58.8m 1 3 Sub Sta 21 3 6 BRAE M ILLER AVENUE Pond 44 El 2 27 5 34 to 225 Balancing 7 36 4 39 13 4 N OR IE TERRACE 1 Pond19 12 7 1 20 5 14 14 KINMOND DRIVE Pond 25 23 BELL GARDENS ARTHUR PARK 25 1 15 2 17 2 2 1 30 Merlin 51 Scouring Burn FB Pond 9 OAKBANK PLACE 12 Shelter Cottages 43 37 26 231 16 14 13 2 3 1 8 FB 43 8 38 57 to 20 1 CLEEVE PARK 25 35 30 11 58.2m 29 2 22 Shelter 31 Shelter 241 11 Posts 239 44 2 5 49.7m 55 Sculpture 43 FB 17 to 27 14 25 16 19 1 Balancing Ponds 17 FB CHERRYBANK 11 1 NECESSITY BRAE 42 32 233 6 TERRACE 12 1 ROSS AVENUE 9 2 19 26 Pitheavlis 19 1 2 28 Sports Pavilion Fairview School 68 FAIR IES ROAD 47 1 62 Shelter 2 Sub Sta 4 El Playing Field ESS 69 LB El Sub Sta 44 63 67 FAIR IES ROAD 6 19 101 15 21 22 17 36 3 30 24 BUCHAN ROAD 20 2 97 71.6m BU C HAN DRIVE 4 24 47 51 (covered) 13 26 11 47 5 26 25 3 81.7m D R IVE 22 61 VIEWLANDS ROAD WEST 7 59 57 31 M U IR EN D GROVE 8 18 2 18 36 84.7m VIEWLANDS ROAD 38 Oakbank Primary School 1 53 28 2 ATH O LLBANK 4 Reservoir M U IR EN D AVENUE 16 6 21 83 Tank 35 12 34 Posts 2 51.5m 26 Pond LB 18 to 32 39 221 32 Allanbank Bellsview 7 7 14 8 1 to 6 1 2 11 15a 13 El Sub Sta 1 HAMILTON PLACE 22 11 16 HAM ILTON LANE 15b 12 Viewlands Court VIEW LAND S PLACE 42.7m 26 HAMILTON GARDENS 4 18 5 160 4 7 188 10 16 FB Garage 8 19 17 13 33 34 to 44 41.8m BRAESIDE GARDENS Cherrybank Inn 193b 2 10 215 18 1 12 197 22 17 Burn 2 OAKBANK ROAD 16 LB 19 9 11 to 13 7 20 Scouring OAKBANK CRESCENT TCB 3 Childrens 2 1 22 40 BRAESIDE GARDENS 92 B1 to B10A1 to A9 LB VIEW LAN D S TERRACE 103 Shelter 109 13 ROSEBANK 11 PITH EAVLIS TERRACE 36.3m 2 2 4 G LASG O W ROAD 1 1 1 86 Corsie 3 14 2 1a 121 9 El Sub 1 93 108 100 114 117 107 TULLYLUMB TERRACE 1 105a 105 1 Lovat Hotel 4 Hurstridge Oaklands El Sub Sta HAMILTON PLACE 8 5 6 2 El Sub Sta 34 1 Path Path 43 1 25 2 23 House Hall 19 Reservoir VIEWLANDS ROAD ATHOLLBANK DRIVE 27 VIEWLANDS 21 Athollbank 58.5m 64.9m 35 6a 42 16 ATHO LLBANK Viewlands (covered) Perth Academy M U R RAY TERRACE Cottage 17 53.6m 8 Tennis Courts 120 198 165 190 192 8 24 MURRAY PLACE 7 133 68 141 FB 1 26 41.1m 31 21 202 3 10 144 Allotment Gardens 127 15 60 2 183 134 4 4 VIEWLANDS TERRACE 29 5 17 162 50 33 32 19 5 12 LB 1 GLASGOW ROAD PITHEAVLIS Nursery 6 211 54 13 31 36 30 (PH) CHERRYBANK GROVE 69 17 37 Shelter 6 20 66 5 42 38 201 42.1m 193a 28 El Sub Sta 3 128 39 8 VIEW LANDS TERRACE 52 Shelter 20 MURRAY CRESCENT 10 155 29 LOW ROAD 5 3 166 186 152 12 209 11 121 3 1 to 4 30 15 11 23 94 69 116 5 207 58 11 119 163 9 6 200 18 to 24 176 House 45.4m 9 35 12 Path (um) 20 124 41.5m 9 Craigie Burn 181 51 G AR D ENS 3 195 1 67 122 Craigiebank 2 12 13 14 4 14 Club 113 1 21 111 118 12 56 27 Castle GLASGOW ROAD Pickembere Pitheavlis 54 20 139 116a 56 Club 21 FRASER TERRACE CASTLE 64 ESS 33 2 52.4m 2 12 Viewlands Primary School 137 24a 34 27 79 191 El Sub Sta 184 43.3m 6 39.0m Environment & Infrastructure NORTH ***** *****_01 NTS 07/03/2025 Fraser Crofts - Strategic Lead © Crown copyright [and database rights] 2025 OS 100016971. You are permitted to use this data solely to enable you to respond to, or interact with, the organisation that provided you with the data. You are not permitted to copy, sub-licence, distribute or sell any of this data to third parties in any form. Viewlands School Exclusion Zone Proposed L.H Legend Proposed School Exclusion Zone Site Location NORTH Page 117 of 146
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Our vision is a Perth and Kinross where everyone can live life well, free from poverty and inequality ___________________________________________________________________ Committee or Board: Economy & Infrastructure Committee Date of Meeting: 28 May 2025 Report Title: Active Travel Prioritisation Delivery Plan Report Number: 25/132 Report Author: Blair Watt, Road Safety Project Officer Organisational Lead: Fraser Crofts, Strategic Lead – Environment and Infrastructure ___________________________________________________________________ 1. Purpose 1.1 The purpose of this report is to update Committee on Active Travel in Perth and Kinross. It provides an update on projects completed in 2024/25, details the funding provided by Transport Scotland in 2025/26 and seeks Committee approval of the Active Travel Prioritisation Delivery Plan. 1.2 Sections 1. Purpose 2. Recommendation(s) 3. Background/Context 4. Proposals 5. Conclusion 6. Impact Value Assessment 7. Appendices 2. Recommendations It is recommended that the Committee: 2.1 Notes the changes in Active Travel Infrastructure funding. 2.2 Notes the projects implemented from Tier 1 and other external grant funding for 2024/25 as detailed at Appendix 1. 2.3 Approves the Prioritisation Delivery Plan as detailed in Appendix 2. 9 Page 119 of 146
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2.4 Approves delegation of projects for delivery to the Strategic Lead Environment & Infrastructure, within available funding, based on the prioritised list of projects which have been subject to the criteria set out in the Prioritisation Delivery Plan. 3. Background/Context 3.1 In 2024/25, Transport Scotland changed the funding arrangements for Active Travel in Scotland. The previous Cycling, Walking and Safer Routes (CWSR) programme was ended and the Active Travel Infrastructure Fund created. The distribution of the funding has also changed. Tier 1 funding, awarded to all local authorities, is now provided to the Council as part of its block grant rather than as an individual CWSR grant. This provides greater flexibility than with the previous CWSR. Tier 2 funding, designed for larger scale active travel projects and is match funded, is allocated through an application process. 3.2 Tier 1 funding must be spent on Active Travel related initiatives or local authorities risk losing or a reduction in funding. 3.3 The methodology for awarding Active Travel funding to local authorities has also changed. The methodology has been designed to ensure that allocations are consistent with our shared policy priorities and are focused on inequality and delivering modal shift – enabling more people to make the switch from their cars to Active Travel, while ensuring that all areas of Scotland are supported. It also introduces a minimum £200,000 allocation for each local authority which has led to local authorities with smaller populations and less areas of deprivation seeing a reduction in funding. 3.4 In 2024/25 Perth and Kinross Council received a capital grant of £738,757 for Active Travel Infrastructure. As the previous years funding was £982,182, this is a reduction of £243,425 or 25% from the previous year’s CWSR funding. 3.5 Transport Scotland’s long-term vision for active travel in Scotland 2030 is to make walking or cycling the most popular choice for shorter everyday journeys, by making it safer, easier and available to everyone. It is intended to achieve many outcomes, including better health, having attractive, safe communities and increased economic activity. Tier 1 Active Travel Infrastructure Fund (ATIF) 2024/25 3.6 At its meeting on 29 May 2024 (Report No 24/162 refers), the Economy and Infrastructure Committee approved a list of works to be funded from the anticipated 2024/25 Scottish Government grants of £982,000 for CWSR projects. However, the actual grant received was significantly lower (£738,757). This was due to the changes detailed above. 3.7 The Traffic and Network team were successful in applications for externally sourced grant funding. This led to a collaborative approach to a number of projects. Page 120 of 146
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3.8 In total, £549,716 of actual works was funded in 2024/25 from Tier 1 and other external funding grants. In addition, £420,025 was received in external grant funding. £170,257 was received through working with Cycling Scotland to install cycle parking through Perth and Kinross. £80,000 was received from Paths for All for Construction of the shared-use path at Jeanfield Swifts stadium. £120,403 was provided in Transport Scotland's Local Authority Direct Award grant. £49,365 was secured from Sustrans NCN development fund for a feasibility study on Tay Street and construction of shared-use path from the Fife Council boundary to Benarty Road. This coincided with work carried out by Fife Council linking Kelty to Cowdenbeath. 3.9 Staff costs of £86,049 were claimed against Tier 1 funding. This is a reduction from previous years due to staff redeployment to national and local priorities such as the introduction of national pavement parking ban, CTLR mitigation measures and national 20mph speed limit strategy. 3.10 Several projects initiated during 2024/25 did not progress as planned for various reasons such a building warrants, available budget or land issues. Additionally, some projects that commenced construction in 2024/25 were not completed until early 2025/26. Consequently, this resulted in an underspend of £182,992. The funding was carried forward into 2025/26 to ensure the completion and delivery of these previously agreed projects. 3.11 Due to changes in funding introduced by Transport Scotland, Tactran confirmed that they were not provided with any infrastructure funding for 2024/25 so no applications were submitted by them. 3.12 The projects delivered during 2024/25 have provided improvements for the most vulnerable road users in our communities. The measures include improvements to dropped kerbs, signalized junction to assist pedestrians, provision of missing link footways and shared use link to assist and encourage pedestrians and cyclists in local communities to use active travel for everyday journeys. A contribution was also made to feasibility and design work on making Dunkeld train station more accessible for walkers, wheelers and cyclists. A breakdown of each project and its costs can be found in appendix 1. 3.13 Walking and cycling benefits the individual with not just physical health benefits but also provides benefits for mental health, the environment and keeping people’s transport costs down. Perth and Kinross is committed to making it easier for everyone to incorporate Active Travel choices into their daily routines. Tier 2 Active Travel Infrastructure Fund (ATIF) 2024/25 3.14 PKC did not have any projects that were “construction ready” so no applications were submitted for Tier 2 funding in 2024/25. Page 121 of 146
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4. Proposal – Active Travel Prioritisation Delivery Plan 4.1 Perth and Kinross Council commissioned Arup to develop an Active Travel Prioritisation Delivery Plan for Active Travel routes identified in master plans and strategies across the PKC area, as well as other route proposals developed by internal PKC teams and local community groups. 4.2 A number of Active Travel Masterplans (ATMs) have been developed for the PKC region. These include: • Perth Cycle Network Masterplan (2018) which aims to create a coherent cycle network in Perth. • Kinross-shire Active Travel Masterplan (2024) which identifies and prioritises active travel interventions to encourage short everyday journeys. • Tactran Regional Active Travel Network (2023) which establishes a framework for developing regional active travel routes, with the aim of providing connections between settlements, neighbourhoods and major trip destinations. 4.3 The purpose of this commissioned work was to develop a robust and evidence-led Multi-Criteria Assessment (MCA) to prioritise routes in the ATMs and additional routes identified by PKC teams and local community groups. 4.4 The methodology used to develop the prioritisation is informed by and aligns with key policies and objectives outlined in the Perth and Kinross Mobility Strategy. This strategy sets out future direction and policy focus for transport in the Perth and Kinross Council area. 4.5 The delivery plan scores projects against a set criteria that aligns with the Mobility Strategy and national guidance/best practice on Active Travel Infrastructure. The Criteria includes: • Deliverability – How deliverable is a route? Within adopted road? Cost/ Additional permissions? • Social Deprivation – Will the route serve areas with high levels of deprivation? • Potential users – How many people will be able to access the route? • Public Transport – Does the route connect to the wide public transport network? • Safety – Will the route serve areas with high levels of deprivation? • Connectivity – does it link into key trips generators? Health Services? Employment? Leisure Facilities? Education? Etc • Air Quality Management – Will the route reduce traffic in area with poor air quality? • Rurality – Does the route provide connections to rural areas? Page 122 of 146
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4.6 Each criteria was given a score of high/medium/low (5/3/1) depending on how the proposed route serviced the different criteria. For example, a route that serviced no school was given a score of one, a route that serviced one or two schools was given a score of three and a route that serviced more than two schools was given five. 4.7 So that the MCA can be tailored to suit different planning objectives, a variable weighting approach was tested. This allows different criteria to be given a higher or lower weighting in the final score. 4.8 A range of different approaches were tested including weighting all criteria equally, prioritising deliverability over other criteria and weighting each criteria according to how well they aligned with the Mobility Strategy transport planning objectives. 4.9 The Prioritisation Delivery Plan will be used to identify projects for delivery for future years. 4.10 Funding for the delivery plan will come from Tier 1 Active Travel Infrastructure Fund and applications will be submitted to Transport Scotland for Tier 2 active travel funding. Depending on the scale of some projects Capital budget may need to be identified to provide match funding. 4.11 New projects will be added to the Prioritised Delivery Plan as and when they are identified. These projects may be identified by internal PKC teams or local community groups. The list will be managed by the Active Travel Co-Ordinator within the Traffic and Network team which will ensure there is a consistent approach to scoring of each project. 4.12 This report seeks approval of the Prioritisation Delivery Plan so that it can be used to identified and progress Active Travel infrastructure in Perth and Kinross. 4.13 The full report on the Perth and Kinross Active Travel Prioritisation Delivery Plan including the prioritised list of projects can be found in appendix 2. Tier 1 Active Travel Infrastructure Fund (ATIF) 2025/26 4.14 In 2025/26 Perth and Kinross Council (PKC) has been awarded £796,000 from Transport Scotland for Tier 1. This funding will be used to deliver Active Travel projects where we have given a previous commitment to and projects identified as part of the Prioritised Delivery Plan as detailed above. 4.15 Depending on the success of our Tier 2 applications, Tier 1 may be utilised for construction of unsuccessful Tier 2 projects or to procure additional resources to carry out feasibility and design for projects identified in the delivery plan. Page 123 of 146
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Tier 2 Active Travel Infrastructure Fund (ATIF) 2025/26 4.16 Transport Scotland opened funding for Tier 2 active travel infrastructure 2025/26 on 16 January 2025, with applications required to be submitted by 14 February 2025. 4.17 Transport Scotland confirmed that only local authorities, Regional Transport Partners (TACTRAN for PKC) or National Park could apply for Tier 2. They also provided an update on Sustrans Place for Everyone fund (PfE). 4.18 Transport Scotland confirmed that from 2025/26 PfE will cease to exist and projects would transition to the new Tier 2 application process administered by Transport Scotland. This has resulted in significant changes to Sustrans operations and has removed the ability for local community groups to engage with Sustrans to pursue local priorities. 4.19 Projects must be designed and constructed in accordance with guidelines provided in Cycling by Design 2021. 4.20 Tier 2 caters to two types of applications. Projects that are at a construction ready stage can apply for match funding of construction costs, which will likely be 70% but may vary depending on the type of project. Transport Scotland will not cover the cost of higher amenity materials than they deem necessary. This is to ensure best value for ATIF. Alternatively, projects that require design work will be funded at 100% and divided into two stages: Stage 0-2 (feasibility, business case, and concept design) and Stage 3-4 (detailed design and works package ready for construction) 4.21 The Traffic and Network team have submitted six bids to the Tier 2 Active Travel Infrastructure Fund 2025/26. These include two bids for construction ready projects and four bids for design. In total, £1,190,000 was applied for Tier 2 funding. The bids are as follow: • Scone to Scone Airport Active Travel route - £490,000 construction bid • Dunkeld train station accessibility improvements - £150,000 construction bid submitted on behalf of Network Rial. • Errol to Grange Corridor - £100,000 Stage 3-4 design bid • Glasgow Road Corridor - £300,000 Stage 0-2 design bid • Marshall Place Corridor - £100,000 Stage 0-2 design bid • Kinross Park and Ride to High Street corridor - £50,000 Stage 0-2 design bid. 4.22 At the time of writing 28 April 2025 we are still awaiting confirmation of the status of our bids. 5. Conclusion 5.1 Implementation of the Active Travel Prioritisation Delivery Plan will create a prioritised list of projects for introduction through Active Travel budgets. Projects will be added and progressed to the prioritised list as and when they are requested with delivery subject to available funding. Page 124 of 146
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5.2 The list, which will be a live document and available at any time for Elected Members to view, will create a project pipeline for Perth and Kinross so that applications can be made to external funders. 5.3 Progression of projects will be delegated to the Strategic Lead Environment & Infrastructure from the prioritised list within the available funding. The additional flexibility provided by Tier 1 funding being awarded as block grant will help to support the delivery of projects between financial years without the restrictions of needing to spend by the end of any one financial year. 6. Impact and Value Assessment Active_Travel_Prioritisation_Delivery_Plan.pdf 7. Appendices 7.1 Appendix 1 - 2024/25 Completed Projects list 7.2 Appendix 2 - Active Travel Prioritised Delivery Plan Page 125 of 146
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Appendix 1 – Active Travel Infrastructure 2024/25 Active Travel Infrastructure – Tier 1 Project Costs Signalised junction West Moulin Road/Atholl Road in Pitlochry. £78,020 Construction of signalised junction at the junction of West Moulin Road and Atholl Road in Pitlochry to improve pedestrian safety. Auchterarder Shared Use Path £129,504 Construction of shared use path and green route on at the A824 from the town boundary to B8062 Grand Eagles junction to improve safety and encourage more walking, wheeling and cycling. Auchterarder High Street – Dropped kerb improvements £13,705 Removal of existing uneven dropped kerbs across private access and construction of continuous footways to improve access for walking and wheeling, particularly those with mobility issues. Jeanfield Swifts Shared Use Path £98,600 (part funded by Paths for All) Construction of shared use path to provide missing link between existing cycle infrastructure and Riverside stadium to encourage more active travel. Forgandenny Footpath £38,354 Construction of footway along B935 to improve pedestrian safety to core of the village. Dunkeld train station access improvements £50,000 Contribution to Network Rail for feasibility and design work for the improvement of infrastructure to Dunkeld train station. Perth Road Birnam – Puffin Crossing and footways £20,008 Installation of a puffin crossing and footways on Perth Road Birnam to improve pedestrian safety accessing to and from the school. (Project spans two financial years) Wardside Muthill – footway improvements £96,525 Construction of new footway and resurfacing existing footway to improve pedestrian safety into Muthill Primary School. Stormont Road Scone – Dropped kerbs improvements £25,000 Installation of dropped kerbs along Stormont Road to improve pedestrian access particularly for those with mobility issues. Staff costs £86,049 Staff costs and miscellaneous design costs for projects not listed Total £635,765 Sustrans National Cycle Network Development Fund Project Costs Tay Street Feasibility £49,365 Feasibility study and business case to look at Active Travel infrastructure improvements to Tay Street to link the North and South Inch which forms part of the national cycle network 77 and 775. Cycling Scotland – Cycle Parking Grant Fund Location Cycle Parking Provided £170,257 Aberfeldy, Breadalbane Terrace Secure cycle parking for 10 bikes, PKC housing 9 Page 127 of 146
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Aberfeldy, Chapel Street Secure cycle parking for 6 bikes, managed by Tay Valley Connnections Aberfeldy, Town Hall Secure cycle parking for 6 bikes, managed by Tay Valley Connnections King George V Playing fields Bike shelter for 10 bikes Crieff, Milnab St Secure cycle parking for 10 bikes, PKC housing Crieff, Murrayfield Loan Secure cycle parking for 10 bikes, PKC housing Errol, Park carpark, next to Errol Parish Church Secure cycle parking for 6 bikes, managed by Errol Community Council Errol, next to bus stop near Lass o Gowrie Sheffield stand Fearnan Two Sheffield stands Glendoick Two Sheffield stands Community School of Auchterarder Secure cycle storage for 20 bicycles with steel cladding Arngask Village Hall (Glenfarg) Secure cycle parking for Glenfarg Freewheelers and bike shelter for village hall and nearby bus stop Perth, Bells (Giraffe) Secure cycle parking for 12 bikes for Giraffe Perth, Carers Hub in North Muirton Secure cycle parking for 6 bikes for PKAVS Pitlochry, Kennedy Place hardstanding Secure cycle parking for 10 bikes, PKC housing Denmarkfield allotments Bike stand and planters for community allotments Rattray, 1-30 Glenalmond Terrace Secure cycle parking for 10 bikes, PKC housing Rattray, 78-82 Glenalmond Road Secure cycle parking for 10 bikes, PKC housing St Madoes Bike shelter by main bus stop Walnut Grove Hardstanding for bookable secure bike parking to be installed in 2025/25 Watergate Toast rack for staff cycle parking Pomarium Street Secure cycle parking for asylum seeker pool bikes Jeanfield Swift - Riverside - NCN Hamble cycle shelter Riverside Church Barratt Shelter with 4 stand toast rack (large space left for oversized bike) South Inch Barratt Shelter with 5 stand toast rack Victoria Street / Scott Street, PKC Housing 10 cycle hamble c/w sliding gates and padlock (12 keys) Dunkeld Road Shops 2 lots of two sub surface stainless steel sheffield stands St Johnstouns Building 10 cycle hamble c/w sliding gates and padlock (12 keys) Bells Sports Centre Install new stands and flashings to the door, to allow the Bike Nests to hold larger e-bikes Page 128 of 146
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Local Authority Direct Award Grant – Transport Scotland Project Costs Active Travel Prioritisation Delivery Plan £24,997 Commissioning of Arup to produce the Active Travel Prioritisation Delivery Plan report and methodology Cycle Path Maintenance £10,000 Working in partnership with Roads Maintenance and CTLR contractor to carry out cycle path maintenance. A94 and A824 Detailed Design work £85,406 Commissioning of consultants to carry out design work on A824 and A94 active travel routes. Total spent on Active Travel in Perth and Kinross 2024/25 £975,790 Page 129 of 146
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Perth & Kinross Council Perth & Kinross Active Travel Prioritisation Delivery Plan Summary Report Reference: REP / 001 1 | 24 March 2025 © Arup This report takes into account the particular instructions and requirements of our client. It is not intended for and should not be relied upon by any third party and no responsibility is undertaken to any third party. Job number 305915-00 Ove Arup & Partners Limited 4th Floor 10 George Street Edinburgh EH2 2PF United Kingdom arup.com 9 Page 131 of 146
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REP / 001 | 1 | 24 March 2025 | Ove Arup & Partners Limited Document Verification Project title Active Travel Prioritisation Document title Summary Report Job number 305915-00 Document ref REP / 001 File reference 001 Revision Date Filename V1 26/03 Description First draft for client review Prepared by Checked by Approved by Name Anna Dougan John Townsend Mark Bowman Signature Filename Description Prepared by Checked by Approved by Name Signature Filename Description Prepared by Checked by Approved by Name Signature Issue Document Verification with Document ✓ Page 132 of 146
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REP / 001 | 1 | 24 March 2025 | Ove Arup & Partners Limited Contents Click or tap here to enter text. 3 1. Introduction 1 1.1 Project Background 1 1.2 Report Structure 1 2. Multi-Criteria Assessment Methodology 3 2.1 Specifying the List of Routes 3 2.2 Data Collection / Compilation 3 2.2.1 ArcGIS Pro and Feature Manipulation Engine 4 2.3 Cost 4 2.4 Active Mode Appraisal Toolkit 4 2.5 Questions and Criteria 4 2.6 Scoring Method / Weighting 5 2.6.1 5/3/1 Criteria 6 2.6.2 Weightings 6 2.7 Collaboration 6 3. Prioritisation 10 4. Summary 10 4.1 Incorporating Additional Routes 10 Click or tap here to enter text. Tables Table 1: Data sources. 3 Table 2: Assessment Criteria. 5 Table 3: Scoring Criteria. 7 Table 4: List of projects ranked by standardised (per km) score, including tiering. 11 Figures Figure 1. Map of all routes within the MCA. The colours of the routes are to visually distinguish between routes and have no other meaning. Routes with dashed lines are those which overlap at some point with others. 2 Figure 2. Project Stages. 3 Drawings No table of figures entries found. Page 133 of 146
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REP / 001 | 1 | 24 March 2025 | Ove Arup & Partners Limited Pictures No table of figures entries found. Photographs No table of figures entries found. Attachments No table of figures entries found. Page 134 of 146
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Perth & Kinross Council Active Travel Prioritisation REP / 001 | 1 | 24 March 2025 | Ove Arup & Partners Limited Summary Report Page 1 1. Introduction Arup has been commissioned by Perth and Kinross Council (PKC) to develop an Active Travel Prioritisation Delivery Plan for active travel routes identified in masterplans and strategies across the PKC area, as well as other route proposals developed by the PKC Network Team and local community groups. 1.1 Project Background A number of Active Travel Masterplans (ATMs) have previously been developed for the Perth and Kinross region. These include: • Perth Cycle Network Masterplan (2018), which aims to create a coherent cycle network in Perth by defining route alignments, identifying major destinations, and assessing the likely benefits. • Kinross-shire Active Travel Masterplan (2024), which identifies and prioritises active travel interventions to encourage short everyday journeys, as well as placemaking interventions. • Tactran Regional Active Travel Network (2023), which establishes a framework for developing regional active travel routes, with the aim of providing connections between settlements, neighbourhoods, and major trip destinations. This covers the local authorities of Angus, Dundee City, Perth and Kinross, and Stirling. The interventions proposed in these masterplans are a starting point to enable PKC to identify funding opportunities to develop feasibility and design of potential options, undertake public and stakeholder consultation, and move towards implementation. The purpose of this commission is to develop a robust and evidence-led Multi-Criteria Assessment (MCA) to prioritise routes in the ATMs and additional routes identified by the PKC Network Team and local community groups. The methodology used to develop the prioritisation is informed by and aligns with key policies and objectives outlined in the Perth and Kinross Mobility Strategy. This strategy sets out future direction and policy focus for transport in the Perth and Kinross Council area. 1.2 Report Structure This report summarises the methodology of the Multi-Criteria Assessment and the recommended prioritised delivery of interventions. 1. Introduction 2. Multi-Criteria Assessment Methodology 3. Prioritisation 4. Summary Page 135 of 146
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Perth & Kinross Council Active Travel Prioritisation REP / 001 | 1 | 24 March 2025 | Ove Arup & Partners Limited Summary Report Page 2 Figure 1. Map of all routes within the Multi Criteria Assessment Framework. The colours of the routes are to visually distinguish between routes and have no other meaning. Routes with dashed lines are those which overlap at some point with others. Page 136 of 146
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Perth & Kinross Council Active Travel Prioritisation REP / 001 | 1 | 24 March 2025 | Ove Arup & Partners Limited Summary Report Page 3 2. Multi-Criteria Assessment Methodology This section outlines the evidence-led methodology that has been used to analyse and prioritise the routes. It was agreed with PKC officers that a data led MCA was the most appropriate method to compare the routes as it enables a consistent and transparent approach to comparing and prioritising interventions, while also allowing for policy objectives to underpin and inform the process. The stages of the development of the MCA, weighting and tiering can be seen in Figure 2. 2.1 Specifying the List of Routes It was agreed that only route-based interventions would be included as part of the prioritisation, and that other types of active travel proposals (such as wayfinding, new crossings, cycle parking, etc.) would be excluded. This was to ensure consistency in the scoring approach while also supporting the delivery of the larger scale route-based interventions. It was also decided that only the primary routes from the Perth Cycle Masterplan would be brought into the prioritisation assessment. The secondary routes followed very similar alignments to the primary routes and therefore would not provide significant differentiation in the scoring. The finalised list of 47 routes contained projects from the following strategies: • Perth Cycle Network; • Tactran regional Active Travel Network; • Kinross-shire Active Travel Masterplan; and • Additional Routes provided by PKC for inclusion in the MCA. 2.2 Data Collection / Compilation Prior to undertaking the analysis and scoring, data was collated to understand the current transport, demographic and economic context of the council area, as well as to inform the assessment process. Data was sourced from a variety of publicly available open sources, as well as existing data from previous ATMs. The routes were mapped in ArcGIS Pro, along with any supporting data sources. Table 1 outlines the data which was used in the MCA. Table 1: Data sources. Type of Data Source Adopted Road Boundary PKC Typical Costs of Cycling Interventions Department for Transport (DfT), Office for National Statistics, recent project experience Railway Lines ArcGIS Open Data Trunk Roads Transport Scotland SIMD Scottish Government Population National Records Scotland Figure 2. Project Stages. Figure 2. Project Stages. Page 137 of 146
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Perth & Kinross Council Active Travel Prioritisation REP / 001 | 1 | 24 March 2025 | Ove Arup & Partners Limited Summary Report Page 4 Transport Hubs UK Government Collision Hotspots Department for Transport (DfT) Amenities, Leisure, GPs, Hospitals, Green Spaces, Schools Open Street Map and Open Data – Improvement Service Employment Tactran Story Map National Cycle Routes and Core Paths Sustrans Open Data, Scottish Government Air Quality Management Area PKC Rural Areas National Records Scotland Car / Van Ownership National Records Scotland Visitor Attractions Association of Leading Visitor Attractions Urban / Rural Area Classifications Scottish Government Planned Developments PKC Active Travel Route Extents PKC, Tactran Roads and Highways OS Open Data 2.2.1 ArcGIS Pro and Feature Manipulation Engine An ArcGIS Pro database was set up for use during the project. Any spatial data utilised was collated into this database, to allow visual mapping of data alongside the routes. Given the number of projects being assessed and the data-driven approach to the MCA, a Feature Manipulation Engine (FME) workspace was used to automate most of the processes outlined in Table 3. FME is a software platform developed for geospatial data integration and can be used to automate data processing and transformation tasks. This significantly improved the efficiency and accuracy of the assessment process. 2.3 Cost High level cost estimates for each route were developed using DfT cost estimates (2017) amended for inflation using the ‘Building Cost Inflation Index’, as well as recent project experience. All estimates were based on routes adhering to Cycle by Design guidance, such as having a protected space for cycling alongside roads with high vehicle numbers and/or speeds. 2.4 Active Mode Appraisal Toolkit After assessment of the available data and discussion with the PKC client team, it was agreed that the Active Mode Appraisal Toolkit (AMAT) would not be used to calculate the Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR) of the routes. This decision was taken both due to the lack of high-quality data required to accurately calculate the BCR, but also as the MCA itself provided an assessment of the impact and costs of the proposed routes. 2.5 Questions and Criteria The assessment criteria for the MCA were developed through: • Reviewing assessment criteria used in the Perth, Kinross-shire, and Tactran active travel masterplans; • Aligning with Transport Planning Objectives in the PKC Mobility Strategy; • Applying best practise criteria relating to the delivery and impact of active travel routes; and Page 138 of 146
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Perth & Kinross Council Active Travel Prioritisation REP / 001 | 1 | 24 March 2025 | Ove Arup & Partners Limited Summary Report Page 5 • Working with available data. For example, there was no available data relating to existing active travel conditions on each route or potential political support meaning evidence led scores could not developed based on these factors. The eight assessment criteria selected to inform the MCA are shown in Table 2 below. Criteria Sub-Criteria Question Deliverability Adopted Road How much of the route is on PKC adopted road? Cost What is the anticipated cost of the route? Additional Permissions Will the route require significant additional permissions? E.g. from Network Rail or Transport Scotland? Social Deprivation SIMD 1-2 Will the route serve areas with high levels of deprivation? Potential Users Population How many people will be able to access the route? Public Transport Transport Hubs Does the route connect to the wider public transport network? Safety Collision Hotspots Will the route improve safety in an area with frequent road traffic accidents? Connectivity Amenities / Leisure Does the route connect people to amenities and leisure facilities? Employment Does the route connect people to their workplaces? Access to GPs Does the route connect people to GPs? Access to Hospitals Does the route connect people to hospitals? Education Does the route provide a safe connection to schools and educational facilities? Planned Developments Will the route provide connections to new developments? Other Active Travel Infrastructure Does the route connect with the wider active travel network? Air Quality Management AQMA Will the route help to reduce traffic in areas with poor air quality? Rurality Rural area Does the route provide connections to rural areas? Table 2: Assessment Criteria. For each of the criteria and sub-criteria a data-driven methodology was developed to quantify the impact of each proposed route. Refining the criteria was an iterative process dependant on the usability and availability of recent, high-quality data, as well as continuous input from PKC officers. The scoring approach for each of the criteria has been specified in as much detail as possible, to remove any subjectivity from the scoring. Table 3 shows the MCA criteria name, the relevant question, and the methodology used for scoring. 2.6 Scoring Method / Weighting Each of the sub-criteria was given a score of high/medium/low (5/3/1) based on the methodology outlined in Table 3. Key scoring metrics (such as counts of amenities, population, and distance to key sites) were Page 139 of 146
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Perth & Kinross Council Active Travel Prioritisation REP / 001 | 1 | 24 March 2025 | Ove Arup & Partners Limited Summary Report Page 6 calculated using an automated FME workflow, as described in Section 2.2.1. Scores of 5/3/1 were then assigned in the MCA Workbook Excel file based on the scoring thresholds set out in Table 3. Given that some of the criteria have multiple sub-criteria, the following formula was used to ensure that each of the criteria had an equal weighting in the final score: Criteria Score = Sum of sub-criteria scores / Number of Sub-Criteria The final score for each route was the sum of all the criteria scores, divided by the length of the route. The “per KM” approach was agreed in collaboration with PKC officers to ensure that the prioritisation was not biased towards longer routes. 2.6.1 5/3/1 Criteria The following approach was taken to ensure consistency when choosing thresholds for the scores of one, three, or five: • Where the raw data for a given criteria was within a small range of integer values, the score thresholds were chosen manually to obtain a reasonable spread. For example, almost all routes were near either zero, one, or two schools, and so the following thresholds were chosen to assign scores in a way which split the data evenly: o Score 1: Near zero schools. o Score 3: Near one or two schools. o Score 5: Near more than two schools. • Where the raw data for a given criteria had a broad range of values, the score thresholds were set at the 30th and 70th percentile values of the range of the data recorded. This approach was chosen to maintain consistency when scoring across a varied range of criteria, and to ensure that outlying values did not unfairly skew the thresholds for what was considered a high, medium or low score. An exception was made to this approach when the raw data for a given criteria contained a significant number of zero-values. In this case, a score of one was given to any route with a value of zero, and the cut-off between a score of three and five was the 50th percentile non-zero value. Details of the scoring thresholds for each criteria can be found in Table 3. 2.6.2 Weightings To tailor the results of the MCA to support different planning objectives, a variable weighting approach was tested, where different criteria could be given a higher or lower weighting in the final score. A range of different approaches were tested, including weighting all criteria equally, prioritising deliverability over all other criteria, and weighting each criteria according to how well they aligned with the PKC Mobility Strategy Transport Planning Objectives. It was found that varying the weightings had a negligible impact on the final rankings, and so an equal weighting was chosen for the final prioritisation results. Note that the weightings can still be adjusted in the accompanying Excel Workbook. 2.7 Collaboration As previously mentioned, the development of the MCA was an iterative process which involved regular collaboration with the PKC officers to refine and finalise the methodology. In addition to an online inception meeting there were regular online catch-up meetings to discuss project progress and make key decisions. An in-person workshop was held on 6th February 2025 in the PKC office in Pullar House, Perth with PKC officers, including representatives from planning, roads, and greenspace teams. The purpose of this workshop was to share the draft MCA and prioritisation, and to discuss potential changes to weighting the scores. Page 140 of 146
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Perth & Kinross Council Active Travel Prioritisation REP / 001 | 1 | 28 February 2025 | Ove Arup & Partners Limited Summary Report Page 7 Table 3: Scoring Criteria. Criteria Sub-Criteria Methodology 1 3 5 Deliverability Adopted Road The total length of the route which is not within the PKC Adopted Highway Boundary, and is not on a trunk road. Greater than 0.8km. Between 0.1 and 0.8km (where 0.1km is the lowest non-zero value, and 0.8km is the 50th percentile non-zero value). 0km. Cost High level cost estimate for delivering the route to Cycle by Design guidance (e.g. protected space for cycling alongside roads with high vehicle volumes and/or speeds). Cost estimates developed using DfT cost estimates (2017) amended for inflation using the 'Building Cost Inflation Index' combined with recent project experience. The estimated cost of the route is greater than £8,695,520. The estimated cost is between £5,553,160 and £8,695,520 (where £8,695,520 is the 70th percentile value). The estimated cost of the route is less than £5,553,160 (the 30th percentile value). Additional Permissions (such as Network Rail or Transport Scotland) The number of times a route crosses under or over a railway. The length of route within 100m of a trunk road. The route crosses a railway line in more than one location. The route crosses a railway line in one location. The route does not cross a railway line. More than 0.8km of route aligns with a trunk road. Between 0.04km and 0.8km of the route (where 0.04km is the smallest non-zero length, and 0.8km is the 50th percentile non-zero length) aligns with a trunk road. The route does not align with a trunk road. Social Deprivation SIMD 1-2 The length of each route within Data Zones with SIMD score of 1- 2. 0km. Between 0.01km and 0.17km (where 0.01km is the lowest non-zero score, and 0.17 is the 50th percentile non-zero score). Greater than 6.315km. Page 141 of 146
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Perth & Kinross Council Active Travel Prioritisation REP / 001 | 1 | 28 February 2025 | Ove Arup & Partners Limited Summary Report Page 8 Criteria Sub-Criteria Methodology 1 3 5 Potential Users Population Each route had a 400m buffer applied. For each route, the population metric was the sum of the proportion of the population of each Output Area within the buffer. Fewer than 888 people. Between 888 and 3804 people (30th and 70th percentile). Greater than 3804 people. Public Transport Transport hubs An 800m buffer was applied to each route. The total number of park and rides, railway stations and bus stations within the buffer was used as the scoring metric. Zero public transport hubs. One or two public transport hubs. Greater than two public transport hubs. Safety Collision Hotspots The number of collision "hot-spots" within a 100m buffer of each route, with a hot-spot defined as three or more collisions with a 100m diameter circle. Zero collision hotspots. One collision hot spot. More than one collision hot spot. Connectivity Amenities / leisure The total number of amenities within a 100m buffer of the route. Amenities include community centres, shops, pharmacies, police stations, places of worship, post offices, cafes, cinemas, etc. Fewer than 3.5 amenities (where 3.5 is the 30th percentile count). Between 3.5 and 20.5 amenities (where 20.5 is the 70th percentile count). Greater than 20.5 amenities. Employment The total number of jobs at major employment sites within a 400m buffer of the route. Zero jobs Between 640 and 2605 jobs (where 640 is the smallest non-zero value, and 2605 is the 50th percentile non-zero value). Greater than 2605 jobs. Access to GPs Total number of GPs within an 800m buffer of the route. No GPs. One or two GPs. Greater than two GPs. Access to Hospitals Total number of hospitals within an 800m buffer of the route. Zero hospitals. One hospital. More than one hospital. Education Total number of educational facilities (primary schools, secondary schools, higher and further education facilities) within a 200m buffer of the route. No educational facilities. One or two educational facilities. Greater than two educational facilities. Page 142 of 146
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Perth & Kinross Council Active Travel Prioritisation REP / 001 | 1 | 28 February 2025 | Ove Arup & Partners Limited Summary Report Page 9 Criteria Sub-Criteria Methodology 1 3 5 Connectivity (continued) Planned Developments Total number of "Proposed" or "Major" developments within a 400m buffer of the route. One or fewer proposals or developments. Two or three proposals or developments. Greater than three proposals or developments. Other AT Infrastructure Total length of the route which overlaps with the National Cycle Network, Core Path Network or River Tay Way, with a 100m buffer applied. A separate 5/3/1 score was calculated for the three infrastructure types, and the final score was the average of these three, rounded to the nearest of one, three or five. 0km NCN overlap. Between 0.2km and 0.66km (where 0.2km is the lowest non-zero value, and 0.66km is the 50th percentile non-zero value). Greater than 0.66km. Less than 1.225km Core Path overlap (where 1.225km is the 30th percentile value). Between 1.225km and 3.470km Core Path overlap (where 3.470km is the 70th percentile value). Greater than 3.470km overlap with Core Paths. 0km RTW overlap. Between 0.2km and 0.74km RTW overlap (where 0.2km is the smallest non-zero value, and 0.74km is the 50th percentile non-zero value). Greater than 0.74km RTW overlap. Air Quality Management AQMA Total length of the route within the Perth Air Quality Management Area. 0km in AQMA. Between 0.090km and 2.88km in AQMA (where 0.09km is the smallest non-zero value, and 2.88km is the 50th percentile non-zero value). Greater than 2.88km in AQMA. Rurality Rural area The total length of the route in rural Data Zones. Less than 2.34km in a rural area (where 2.34km is the 30th percentile value). Between 2.34 km and 7.21km in a rural area (where 7.21km is the 70th percentile value). Greater than 7.21km in a rural area. Page 143 of 146
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Perth & Kinross Council Active Travel Prioritisation REP / 001 | 1 | 28 February 2025 | Ove Arup & Partners Limited Summary Report Page 10 3. Prioritisation After each route had been scored and weighted the final ranked list was split into three tiers to clearly distinguish a group of priority projects and allow opportunity for a strategic approach to delivery which builds upon the MCA. The first tier was defined by the significant difference in score between the top seven routes and the remaining list. The second and third tiers were defined to ensure an even split between the remaining tiers. The final ranked list of routes, including tiering, can be found in Table 4. 4. Summary The prioritisation methodology resulted in the identification of 7 first tier routes, 20 second tier routes, and 19 third tier routes. The additional routes provided by the PKC Network Team and those within the Perth Cycle Masterplan all received high scores. This is due to their relatively short length and proximity to areas with high population density and onwards connectivity, meaning they score highly in terms of deliverability and impact. 4.1 Incorporating Additional Routes The Excel Workbook allows for the incorporation of future additional routes into the existing prioritisation by manually inputting the relevant raw data. Note that this will require the user to generate their own data, however the calculation of scores will be automated by the Workbook. Note that the existing data and score thresholds specified within the workbook are representative of January and February 2025, and so a fair comparison with newer projects and project data may not be possible if newer data sources are used for future projects and the scoring is not updated for all routes. Page 144 of 146
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Perth & Kinross Council Active Travel Prioritisation REP / 001 | 1 | 28 February 2025 | Ove Arup & Partners Limited Summary Report Page 11 Table 4: List of projects ranked by standardised (per km) score, including tiering. Tier Project ID Masterplan Description Overall Score Per km Score Route Length (km) Tier 1 1 AD3 Additional Routes Tay Street to North Inch 22.0 27.5 0.8 1 AD4 Additional Routes Marshall Place Road 21.7 27.1 0.8 1 Phase 2 ID 20 Kinross-shire AT masterplan Between Kinross Park & Ride and Kinross High Street 18.9 26.9 0.7 1 AD2 Additional Routes Woodside to Coupar Angus Phase 2 12.0 15.0 0.8 1 AD7 Additional Routes Errol To Grange 12.6 14.0 0.9 1 AD1 Additional Routes Scone to Scone Airport 16.3 11.6 1.4 1 Phase 3 ID 34 Kinross-shire AT masterplan Kinross and Milnathort 24.0 9.6 2.5 Tier 2 2 PCN_6 Perth Cycle Network Burghmuir to City Centre - Burghmuir Jeanfield Road 22.7 7.6 3 2 PCN_5 Perth Cycle Network Broxden to City Centre - Glasgow Road A83 31.9 7.3 4.4 2 PCN_2 Perth Cycle Network Scone to City Centre - Scone Road A94 31.8 6.8 4.7 2 AD5 Additional Routes The Feus A824 12.0 6.7 1.8 2 PCN_3 Perth Cycle Network Walnut Grove to City Centre - Dundee Road A85 27.9 6.6 4.2 2 PCN_7 Perth Cycle Network Burghmuir to City Centre - Burghmuir Jeanfield Road 33.4 4.7 7.1 2 AD6 Additional Routes Errol to Errol Station 16.5 4.6 3.6 2 PCN_1 Perth Cycle Network Luncarty to City Centre - Dunkeld Road A9 A912 30.5 4.1 7.4 2 PCN_4 Perth Cycle Network Bridge of Earn to City Centre - Edinburgh Road A912 33.1 4.0 8.2 2 Phase 3 ID 38 Kinross-shire AT masterplan Wester Balgedie and Milnathort 16.3 3.5 4.6 2 P16 Tactran Regional AT Network Methven to Almondbank 18.8 3.1 6 2 P12 Tactran Regional AT Network Stanley to Bankfoot (PKC and Cairngorms National Park Authority) 18.7 3.1 6 2 P5 Tactran Regional AT Network Blairgowrie - Craigie 21.3 3.0 7 2 D3 Tactran Regional AT Network Inchture to Ninewells (PKC, Dundee & Perth & Kinross Countryside Trust) 21.3 2.8 7.5 2 P21 Tactran Regional AT Network Abernethy to Newburgh 15.5 2.8 5.5 2 P4 Tactran Regional AT Network Coupar Angus to Blairgowrie 21.0 2.8 7.5 2 P10 Tactran Regional AT Network Pitlochry to Killiecrankie (PKC and Cairngorms National Park Authority) 18.4 2.6 7 Page 145 of 146
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Perth & Kinross Council Active Travel Prioritisation REP / 001 | 1 | 28 February 2025 | Ove Arup & Partners Limited Summary Report Page 12 2 P9 Tactran Regional AT Network Logierait to Pitlochry (PKC and Cairngorms National Park Authoirty) 22.0 2.5 8.7 2 P3 Tactran Regional AT Network Alyth - Blairgowrie 21.3 2.5 8.5 2 Phase 3 ID 40 Kinross-shire AT masterplan Gateside Farm and Cleish 10.7 2.5 4.3 Tier 3 3 P20 Tactran Regional AT Network Bridge of Earn to Abernethy 17.2 2.5 7 3 P13 Tactran Regional AT Network Bankfoot to Dunkeld (PKC and Cairngorms National Park Authority) 24.1 2.4 10 3 P1 Tactran Regional AT Network Walnut Grove to St Madoes (PKC & Countryside Trust) 15.6 2.4 6.5 3 Phase 3 ID 35 Kinross-shire AT masterplan Kinross-shire to Fife 17.9 2.3 7.7 3 P14 Tactran Regional AT Network Stanley to Luncarty (PKC and Cairngorms National Park Authority) 18.1 2.3 8 3 P17 Tactran Regional AT Network Broxden to Forteviot 19.2 2.1 9 3 Phase 3 ID 33 Kinross-shire AT masterplan National Cycle Network Route 775 between Glenfarg and Glenfarg Railway Tunnels Circular Route 13.9 2.0 6.8 3 Phase 3 ID 43 Kinross-shire AT masterplan Gairney Bank, Scotlandwell, and the Westfield Energy Park 13.0 2.0 6.5 3 P15 Tactran Regional AT Network Crieff to Comrie 20.6 1.9 11 3 P6 Tactran Regional AT Network Craigie to Dunkeld 18.5 1.8 10 3 S1 Tactran Regional AT Network Dunblane to Braco 22.1 1.8 12.5 3 P18 Tactran Regional AT Network Forteviot to Auchterarder 20.6 1.6 12.5 3 Phase 3 ID41 Kinross-shire AT masterplan Gairney Bank, Scotlandwell, and the Westfield Energy Park 14.7 1.6 9.2 3 P11 Tactran Regional AT Network Killiecrankie to Pitagowan (PKC and Cairngorms National Park Authority) 19.0 1.6 12 3 P19 Tactran Regional AT Network Auchterarder to Braco 18.4 1.4 13 3 P2 Tactran Regional AT Network St Madoes - Inchture (PKC & Countryside Trust) 17.4 1.4 12.5 3 P8 Tactran Regional AT Network Logierait to Dunkeld 20.8 1.4 15 3 Phase 3 ID 42 Kinross-shire AT masterplan Kinross-shire and Clackmannanshire 17.1 1.4 12.4 3 P7 Tactran Regional AT Network Alberfeldy to Logierait 18.7 1.2 16 Page 146 of 146